SOUTH Wilts finished third in the ECB British Gas Southern Premier Division after losing their last two matches of the season against Havant, who retained the championship, and St Cross Symondians.

But skipper James Hibberd, who took over the captain’s armband from James Hayward at the start of the season, said he “was more than satisfied” with the way the young South Wilts team has gone about things this season.

“Out of the guys who played this summer, 13 have come through our Colts section with eight being under-21 years of age.

“With a young side we knew there would be inconsistencies, but what a cracking year lads like Ben Draper, Luke Evans and Will Wade have had.

“To come within a week of winning the Premier League was a very good effort but Havant are deserved winners and I congratulate them.”

South Wilts won ten of their 15 matches, finishing second in the all-day Time pennant cricket.

The season ended on a losing note – but, to their credit, hosts St Cross Symondians chased down the third highest ever Premier Division score of 283 to beat South Wilts by four-wickets

Harry Came hit 112 not out, dominating the latter stages of the run chase.

The St Cross win ended any fading hopes South Wilts had of winning the title.

With Bashley easily beating the Academy, South Wilts finished third.

South Wilts posted a competitive 283-8 on the Green Jackets Ground, with Jack Mynott (84) and teenage duo Will wade (59) and Ben Draper (58) hitting fifties after a sound start by Tom Cowley (45).

Logan Van Beek’s 67 gave St Cross a perfect springboard, but it was while Came and Billy Mead (59) were together that the Winchester side really stepped on the gas.

Mead’s polished half-century came to an end when a mix-up (at 204-3) led to him being run out by Wade.

It left Came with massive responsibility to rebuilt the chase – something he did with panache, totally dominating late on and scoring probably 62 of the last 80 St Cross needed.

South Wilts seconds are relegated - alongside long time fallers Hambledon - despite winning six of their last nine Division 2 games.

They were always on the back foot after Harry Foyle and Robbie Hadfield complimented a sound St Cross Symondians II start at Wilton Road, which led to the visitors posting 259-8.

South Wilts lost opening pair Eddie Abel and Owain Phillips cheaply and were seldom at the races, despite Steve Riddle (72) and a late flurry by Stephen Booth (31).