ROB Franklin announced his intention to retire after South Wilts' ultimately disappointing season came to a soggy end at New Milton.

The off-spin all-rounder took 134 wickets in his six-year spell with the Bemerton club, besides scoring close on 1,000 league runs (often crucial ones) in his important down-the-order role.

He sent down his final overs as South Wilts bowled New Milton out for 174 – Steve Warner taking 4-38 and Will Wade 3-33 – only to spend the next frustrating hour watching the rain fall and the match abandoned.

In a tribute, skipper James Hayward said: “Franky has been superb for us over the past six years and has played a huge part in the club's recent successful history.

“He’s the sort of player that every captain wants in his team. His commitment has been second to none and he’s one of the first names on the sheet.

“It’s a great shame he’s retiring, but I also understand that playing Premier League Cricket is a big commitment for anyone, especially with a young family.

“From everyone at the club, we do wish him all the best and I am sure we will see him supporting from the boundaries edge in years to come, probably with his swish photographic equipment snapping away."