THE postponement of South Wilts’ visit to Alton has left Sam Pittman playing catch-up in his bid to become the Southern Premier Division’s top wicket-keeper.

With two matches left, Pittman’s 24 victim tally is two behind New Milton gloveman Tom Arnold, with 26.

Pittman, who took over the Bemerton keeping position when Tom Morton left to become Ealing’s Director of Cricket, has taken 20 catches and four stumpings.

Morton won the award three times in the past four seasons.

Pittman’s performances this season have drawn praise from South Wilts skipper James Hayward, who said: "Sam has been superb this year.

“When Mort (Tom Morton) left us, it certainly left some big shoes to fill and Sam has done this quite naturally.

“He’s come in with confidence and an unrivalled commitment to our club.

“He’s kept the team going in a difficult season for us and showed a lot of promise with the bat too.

"He’s improved game-on-game and is turning himself into a very handy keeper/batsman. He is one of the positives we will take from this season.”