SOUTH Wilts seconds suffered a setback to their Southern League Premier Division Two survival aspirations with a comprehensive 142 run defeat at Hartley Wintney, writes STEPHEN HATCHER.

South Wilts won the toss and with windy conditions prevailing chose to field first.

This option appeared to have a sound basis as James Wade and Matthew Burton reduced the home side to 4-2.

However, a match changing partnership of 144 between Jason Knibbs (100) and Scott Baldwin (83). Both were eventually removed by Jack Stearman (2 -33) but the damage had been done as the home sides middle order batsmen built on this to secure a formidable total of 265-5.

South Wilts lost their first wicket almost immediately and no partnership of any substance followed, and despite the in-form Luke Hansford making 40 the visitors stumbled to 123 all out. This leaves South Wilts still above the drop zone with two wins out of three needed to mathematically secure retention of their current status starting with the visit of Waterlooville who are just one place above them.

Meanwhile the thirds all but ensured their place in Hampshire County Two with a nine wicket thrashing of bottom side Fair Oak II.

Batting first Fair Oak were always up against it and with Henry Smith (4-24) and under-15 Jasper Blackwood (3-13) leading the charge they were dismissed for just 98.

The home side then chased this down this in less than 13 overs with Owain Phillps 65 not out and Tom Berzins 28 not out ensuring an early tea.

Picture of Owain Phillips