UNDEFEATED South Wilts signalled their intent to the rest of the ECB Premier League after turning over title-rivals Havant with an emphatic 72-run win.

In the past few seasons the clashes between South Wilts and Havant have been critical to determining the outcome of the Southern Electric Premier League title.

It came down to a last match decider last season and, with both sides riding high early on, the significance of the result will have reverberated around the league.

After being asked to bat first, Eddie Abel (11) fell at 39-1 but Tom Morton and Sean Terry put together a good partnership to take the score to 102-1. Morton (53) and Terry (36) went in quick succession to spinner Steve Matthews (2-42) to put Havant back in the game at 118-3.

James Hayward and Joe Cranch ensured South Wilts remained on the front foot as they put together a 67 run fourth wicket partnership. Hayward (35) was next to go but Cranch’s 57 proved crucial to the game’s outcome. Havant skipper Stuart Ransley picked up 4-56 as late wickets fell but South Wilts were more than happy to post 248-9 off their 50 overs.

Havant’s top order was blown away by James Hibberd and Ryan Duffield. Hibberd nipped out Ben Walker without scoring for 1-1 and it was then 2-2 as Duffield found Ransley’s edge. Later, it was 11-3 as Hibberd supplied a third catch to Tom Morton via Andrew Gorvin’s bat.

Pete Hopson and Richard Hindley weathered the storm but the introduction of spin brought instant reward as Rob Franklin dismissed Hopson (16). 30-3 became 53-6 as Marc Burton (1-24 off 10) bowled Chris Stone and then Gareth Ransley was run out.

Hindley, with a mountain of Southern League runs behind him, was not prepared to submit and battled hard to regain some pride for the hosts.He struck nine boundaries in his 75, sharing useful partnerships with Jez Bulled (32) and Cameron Prentice (32). Bulled fell to Jake Foley but the re-introduction of the seamers ended the game. Duffield ended Hindley’s resistance at 173-7 and the end was swift as he trapped Prentice lbw to return figures of 3-31, allowing James Hibberd to complete the victory having Matthews stumped by Morton (4 catches and a stumping) to finish with 3-25.

The victory has opened up a 19-point gap at the summit.