SOUTH Wilts thirds recorded a crucial win over Hartley Wintney 2nds to steer away from the Hampshire League Division 3 North relegation zone.

South Wilts posted a challenging 253-6 after being in some difficulty at 90-5.

Tom Bolam and the ageless John Burton both hit 70s as the recovery was completed to the full extent.

The visitors were in the hunt for long periods but the run rate proved crucial and James Wade (3-30) mopped up the innings at 197 all out.

The close nature of the league was shown by the fact that the 56-run win pulled South Wilts up to eighth position.

South Wilts fourths remain in the promotion hunt in Regional 2 West after a 101-run win over Beaulieu.

On a difficult wicket with an entirely under 19 side, South Wilts showed admirable application to recover from 46-3 to post 214-6. Ed Wade, 13, hit a solid 32 but Lewis Rutledge's 83 proved crucial.

Beaulieu lost regular wickets and were all out for 113 in the 31st over with spinners Ben Higton and Henry Davis taking three and two wickets, respectively.

Meanwhile, Sam Arnold hit 42 not out as South Wilts seconds beat promotion contenders Hambledon in Southern Premier League Division 2 by six wickets.

SOUTH Wilts' youngster Will Wade had a stunning match as Wiltshire Under 17s recorded their third win of four County Divisional matches, in the two day match against Berkshire.

Wade, who has been impressing for the Wiltshire firsts, hit a superb 175 as a much-weakened team posted 386-9 towards the end of the first day at Trowbridge CC.. Swindon's Sean Parker, Biddestone's David Comport and Potterne all-rounder Oli Jackson all hit fifties.

After Berkshire had progressed to 104-0 in reply, Wade then showed off his bowling talents as his off spin took 5-55 off 20 overs as Berkshire were all out for 239. South Wilts colleague Adam Hudson took 2-24.

Berkshire followed on but the match was quickly ended as ECB bowling restrictions and a lack of time remaining meant there was little chance of an outright win.

Wade and South Wilts teammate Jack Mynott have been selected to represent Wiltshire in their three-day Unicorns County Championship against Shropshire at Devizes Cricket Club, starting Sunday.