SOUTH Wilts seconds enjoyed an excellent victory over league Leaders Totton and Ealing at Lower Bemerton, writes STEPHEN HATCHER.

This result, their third victory in the last four, not only greatly enhances their retention of Southern League Division Two status, but with the increasing confidence that this brings, a distinct possibility of a significant rise up the table.

This run has coincided with the both the end of school exams and the University term presenting skipper Robert Pittman with greater selection options.

After winning the toss and opting to bat, 16-year-old Edward Wade demonstrated his obvious potential and justified the teams faith in him by constructing a well paced innings coupled with good shot selection, allowing South Wilts to hit the ground running.

When he, having scored 40, quickly followed by Joe Cranch (17), were dismissed Pittman together with Tom Pearce (22), dug in against impressive slow bowling from both ends, preparing the ground for a late assault.

When Pittman was dismissed experienced former first teamer Steve Riddle arrived at the wicket and after a circumspect beginning unleashed a series of impressive boundaries in his knock of 54, allowing South Wilts to end all out for 183 after exactly 50 overs.

With the pitch offering something to bowlers keeping the ball up to the batsmen, James Wade broke though almost immediately, clean bowling both openers, including the prized wicket of Jimmy Taylor.

In tandem with Pittman's off spin they reduced the visitors to 13-4.

Totton staged a minor recovery, but the introduction of 17-year-old leg spinner Will Hewlett (2-28) saw two further wickets fall leaving them 72-6.

When the score reached the 90s and looked like exhilarating Pittman wisely introduced Tom Pearce (2-26) and brought back Wade to the attack.

The means justified the end as Wade secured two more wickets, giving him consecutive five wicket hauls, and leaving Totton 131 all out.