WITH A-levels completed and the universities breaking up for the summer South Wilts seconds skipper Rob Pittman was, for the first time this season, able to take something approaching his strongest 11 to Langley Manor for this basement clash, writes STEPHEN HATCHER.

The home side won the toss and elected to bat. Openers Jack Budd (59) and Tom Spencer (24) put on a stand of 83 before Rob Pittman had Budd caught behind by brother Sam.

Spencer soon fell caught and bowled by Tom Pearce, as the visitors edged themselves back into the game.

Wickets now began to fall with more regularity as Matthew Burton (2-35) joined Pearce (2-24) and Pittman (3-34) in reducing Manor to 145 -7.

Ben Fisher, returning from his studies bowled a mean seven overs taking 2-11 and young Josh Croom weighed in with his first Southern League wicket as Langley Manor were bowled out for 173.

South Wilts survived the early loss of Sam Arnold as they went in search of their target, with Tom Berzins (20) and Edward Wade (17) taking them into the forties before both fell.

Enter Jack Stearman fresh from the classroom to engineer an unbeaten 56 and in partnership with Pearce, the ever consistent Rob Pittman (27) and Stephen Booth (16 not out) saw the Salisbury side home by four wickets.

This crucial victory should act as a spur as stronger squad availability beckons and means a significant climb up the table can be viewed with more confidence.