SOUTH Wilts seconds continued their fine mid to late season run, comprehensively defeating Fair Oak by 110 runs at Lower Bemerton, writes STEPHEN HATCHER.

The victory leap frogged them to seventh in the table, two places above the Southern League Division Two relegation zone.

Winning the toss and batting first in warm but overcast conditions, they survived the loss of Edward Wade with the score on 10, as Sam Arnold and Joe Cranch fashioned a 75-run partnership at just under four an over, before Arnold, evidencing his gradual return to form after a long lay off through injury, was bowled for 39.

Two further wickets fell, both to Rufus Bullough (2-58) before Cranch was joined on 126 by Luke Hansford in what proved to be a crucial stand of 77.

Cranch built his innings of 94 in his usual stylish fashion, watchful, but picking the right balls to despatch, whilst Hansford displayed quality stroke making, in making an impressive 37, before both departed in quick succession as the score moved into the 200s.

Wickets fell in a late flourish at the end, with South Wilts finishing on 228-9.

Fair Oaks reply began in positive fashion reaching 82-1 (Mark Watson 25 Charlie Gwynn 33) by the 20th over, before the ever consistent pair of Robert Pittman (2-21) and Tom Pearce (2 -8) broke through to leave the visitors on 98-5.

Enter Ben Fisher, who in 4.2 overs, and figures of 5-18, decimated the lower order giving South Wilts four wins in their last five completed matches and leaving them in good form and spirits for the final run in.

This weekend, they travel to Hartley Wintney.