SOUTH Wilts fourths retained second place in Hampshire Regional Division 2 West after a superb 26-run win over Hythe & Dibden 3rds.

With leaders Great Durnford being rained off against third-placed Totton 3rds, the chance to go top was gone but in truly awful conditions South Wilts held their nerve to record another win, this time by 26 runs.

The high winds and occasional rain caused havoc for the players and umpires all day, but full credit must be given to the home side for getting the game on.

Skipper Sam Burton lost what looked like an important toss on a wet wicket. The alarming bounce had the batsmen in constant trouble but hard-hitting from Lewis Rutledge (21) and Archie Ayling (54) assisted by a spate of dropped catches from the hosts set South Wilts up for a challenging total.

Edward Wade held the innings (26) together with a gutsy knock.

The introduction of first team opening bowler Josh Mead had the desired effect. From 120-2 after 28 overs, his 5-29 stemmed the charge towards maximum batting points as South Wilts were bowled out for 191 in the final over. Iestyn Williams (23) and the other batsmen chipped in to get the visitors to what was probably a slightly above par score.

With the wicket now much drier, the home side would have fancied their chances but 14-year-old Josh Croom took three early wickets to set them back. Jamie Meredith looked to resurrect the innings and together with Ewan Bell, he took the score to 85-4.

Meredith holed out for 37 as the run rate rose and Paul Wylie whose 10 overs cost just 21 runs took his second wicket but at 101-6 the match was still in the balance.

Mead (17) and Bell (38) took the score to 135-6 but, with seven overs left, the injured Marc Burton (2-6) removed both to effectively end the run chase. Hythe kept going but Croom returned to wrap up the innings and complete figures of 5-39 as Hythe were all out for 165 in the 40th over.

South Wilts thirds' home game with Liphook & Ripsley 2nds was cancelled after a bad traffic accident prevented the arrival of the visitors.