SOUTH Wilts captain James Hayward has identified this weekend’s visit to reigning champions Havant as a ‘significant test’ in the club's pursuit of ECB Southern Electric Premier League glory this season.

The undefeated Bemerton side will make the trip to Havant Park full of confidence after a five-match winning start.

But they will be conscious that Havant – champions four times in the past five seasons – have begun to repair the damage of a poor start.

“A lot of people thought that, after losing their opening two matches, Havant might not be in the frame this season, but they’ve proved their doubters wrong once again,” Hayward said.

“They've beaten Ventnor and Bashley (Rydal) comprehensively in the past fortnight and have regained that winning appetite.”

Tomorrow’s match marks the start of a nine-week stint of all-day Time Pennant cricket, a format in which South Wilts have been hugely successful in recent seasons, winning the flag three times in a row prior to last summer.

South Wilts march on at the top of the Premier League after playing through the Bemerton rain to achieve a 25-run win over Alton, a side they have frequently struggled against in recent seasons.

They totalled 268-7 in the last of their initial batch of 50-over matches, but were keeping a close eye on the scoreboard as Alton hit back with 183-3 before losing wickets in a late surge for runs and finishing on 243 all out.

Tom Morton (82) and Owen Alsop (74) underpinned South Wilts’ 268-7 with a 144-run third-wicket partnership.

Alton, bottom of the table after three straight defeats, didn’t lie down, with Michael Heffernan (44) and Ryan Hale (34) providing a platform.

Scott Myers (50) and debut making New Zealander Dewayne Bowden (38) pushed on, taking Alton’s reply to 183-3.

While they were at the crease, Alton were definitely in the game. The wet weather was closing in across Salisbury Plain, but umpires Denis Emery and Huw Evans, conscious the game was in the balance, allowed play to continue through the rain.

Alton lost fourth and fifth wickets at 183 and 184, and suffered two more blows once they got over the 200-run mark.

James Hibberd (3-31) and Owen Alsop (3-60) were taking wickets, but Mark Heffernan (25) gave Alton fresh impetus. Alas, the visitors’ brave run chase ended at 243 all out.

South Wilts must wait a little longer before they know which Welsh side will be visiting them in the West group final of the ECB Kingfisher Cup at Bemerton on Sunday, June 17. The zone semi-final tie between Sully Centurions and Panteg was washed out and will now be played in Barry on Sunday.

South Wilts will host their long delayed Southern Electric twenty20 Cup first round tie against Paultons at Bemerton on Sunday at 3pm.

The winners will host Bournemouth on Sunday, June 24.