HAMPSHIRE’S Joe Weatherley found himself on the receiving end of a run blitz from South Wilts’ teenage South Australian opener Jake Winter – and then backed the Adelaide youngster to finish his first season on English soil in a flourish.

The 19-year-old had struggled in unfamiliar damp batting conditions, scoring only 45 runs in his previous four knocks but produced some sparking stroke play as South Wilts rebooted their stuttering title defence with a thumping 116-run win over St Cross Symondians on Winchester’s lovely tree-lined Green Jackets ground.

“It’s never easy when you hit a lean trot when you are away from home, thousands of miles away, but it’s all part of a growing up process and Jake will benefit from the experience,” said Weatherley.

“I played against him in Adelaide last winter and he’s a class act who will make his name in State cricket, I’ve no doubt about that.

“He underlined his qualities against St Cross, some of his off-side play and his cuts were top rate – and he certainly took a liking to my bowling.”

Winter fired South Wilts innings with an enterprising 50-ball 74, hitting a six and 13 boundaries, which lit up the morning’s play.

“I think Jack Mynott had got about five by the time Jake reached his 50,” Weatherley smiled.

James Hayward, Joe Cranch and James Hibberd all came to the party for South Wilts, who had won only once in the previous five weeks.

Hayward hit 86 and Cranch made 72 in a century partnership which took the game completely away from St Cross.

James Hibberd lofted three sixes in a quick fire 35 before South Wilts closed at 309-8.

St Cross were on the back foot directly Steve Warner (3-40) removed both openers and at 63-4 with Weatherley (28) among those back in the pavilion, the contest was effectively over.

Greg Hollins (47) and Charlie Ayres (41) fought back, but once they were parted, South Wilts took wickets at regular intervals and went on to dismiss their hosts for 193, with Luke Evans taking 3-23.

South Wilts share second place in the table with Burridge, but are 17 points behind Havant, who they play a week on Saturday (1pm).