SOUTH Wilts seconds had every reason to believe they were ‘rain robbed’ when relegation-threatened Paultons were under the cosh at Bemerton, writes Mike Vimpany.

South Wilts were rattling along at seven runs an over and were going well at 55-1 in pursuit of Paultons’ 204 when the rains came in the ninth over after tea.

The ‘no result’ leaves South Wilts fifth and Paultons third from bottom, effectively seven points above Fawley in Southern Premier Division 2 – but with table-toppers Calmore Sports next up at Whitemoor Lane.

Nathan Feltham blazed a quick-fire 46 (four sixes and five fours) at the top of the innings for Paultons, while Robbie Pike (49) and Josh Metcalfe (27) batted effectively in the middle-order as Paultons made 204 (Tom Pearce 3-48).

But the total was set to come under close scrutiny as Owain Phillips (35 not out) and Tom Cowley had the hosts well placed when the weather set in.

Still eyeing a creditable top four spot, South Wilts visit basement side Bashley (Rydal) II on Saturday (12.30pm) before ending their season against Fawley on Saturday, September 3.