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Clean Sweep as Deggy Tons Up
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A clean sweep for South Wilts this week — four wins from four, three earned on the field and one by concession after completion of oppositions first innings.
There was plenty to celebrate, from a superb response by the 1st XI and another huge step towards a 2nd XI title, to a strong 4th XI result and a unusual end to the 3rd XI fixture.
With the season entering its final stages, there is still plenty to play for across the club and it will be great to see as many of you as we can over the coming final two weeks of League cricket.
1st XI — A superb response against Burridge
South Wilts 1st XI 366 for 5 (22pts) v Burridge 1st XI 249 ao (7pts) won by 117 runs
After last week's disappointment, the 1st XI responded in emphatic fashion, piling on 366 for 5 against Burridge.
Ben Draper won the toss and chose to bat on a parched outfield where runs looked like they would flow — and so they did.
James Degg led the way with a superb 107 from 95 balls, striking 17 fours and a six. He was superbly supported by Joshua Chippendale, who fell just short of a deserved first Southern League century with an excellent 93 from 96 balls, including 13 fours and two sixes.
The pair put on 174 for the second wicket, laying the foundations for a huge total before Burridge finally made the breakthrough.
With the platform established, the middle order took full advantage. Tom Cheater added a rapid 37 from 30 balls, before Trishawn Francis produced the fireworks at the back end, smashing an extraordinary 62 from just 23 balls, including six sixes.
Archie Fairfax-Ross also finished unbeaten on 36, leaving Burridge facing a daunting target of 367.
And the bowlers backed it up.
Archie Pascoe led the way with an excellent 3-43, while Tom Grant also claimed three wickets. Matthew Falconer, Ben Jack, Archie Fairfax-Ross and James Degg all chipped in as the wickets were shared around the attack.
Burridge were eventually bowled out for 249 in 46.1 overs, with Ronnie Singh providing the main resistance with 54.
A thoroughly convincing response from the 1st XI — exactly what was required after last week's result.
Elsewhere, St Cross wrapped up the title with another convincing victory over Bashley, but there is still plenty to play for, with South Wilts looking to retain second place and finish what has been a fine season strongly.
2nd XI — Promotion and the Title all but secured
South Wilts 2nd XI 150 for 4 (24pts) v Cadnam 1st XI 147 ao (5pts) won by 6 wickets
Another hugely important victory for the 2nd XI, and with Winton losing, South Wilts are now all but over the line in the race for the league title.
Cadnam won the toss and chose to bat first, but the South Wilts attack produced another excellent collective bowling performance, restricting the hosts to just 147 all out in 26.5 overs.
There was plenty to like throughout the attack. Jasper Blackwood took 3-32, while Liam Vermeulen and Tom Pearce both claimed three wickets apiece.
Six maidens across the innings also underlined the control shown by the bowlers.
South Wilts then went about the chase without unnecessary drama. Liam Vermeulen fell early, but Max Cordle once again added to his enormous run tally for the season with a useful 34.
Lawrence Yeo contributed 25 before Gabriel Williams took control of the chase, finishing unbeaten on 45 and guiding South Wilts to 150-4 in just 24 overs.
With two games remaining, only a handful of points are required to guarantee the title.
A championship, promotion back to County Division One and a thoroughly deserved reward for what has been an excellent campaign are now very much within touching distance.
2nd XI scorecard vs Cadnam CC 1st XI
3rd XI — A strange and disappointing end
South Wilts 3rd XI did not bat (0 pts) v Penton 1st XI 226 ao (-20pts) won by concession
The 3rd XI fixture against Penton ended in very unusual circumstances.
Penton arrived with just nine players, but having won the toss they elected to bat and managed to post 226 in 30.4 overs.
South Wilts had already completed their part in the field when the situation changed. Three of the Penton players then had to leave for work, leaving the visitors with only six players available to field.
Penton subsequently had to conceded the game. Jacob Rowe was the stand out wicket taker, but prior to that it was a bit of a mixed bag in the field from the bowlers as throughout extras challenged to be top scorer.
It is a disappointing situation, particularly given the potential implications for the 3rd XI's own promotion ambitions.
3rd XI scorecard vs Penton CC 1st XI
4th XI — A big step towards safety
South Wilts 4th XI 266 for 8 (24pts) v Steeple Langford 1st XI 220 ao (11pts) won by 46 runs
A really strong result for the 4th XI against Steeple Langford, and one which leaves Division 5E status for next season almost certain.
Skipper Alex Evans led from the front with an excellent 77, providing the backbone of the South Wilts innings.
He received plenty of support around him, with Henry Smith contributing 47, Jake Redding adding a brisk 36, and Jody Everett once again proving his value with an unbeaten 35.
South Wilts posted a competitive 266-8 from their 40 overs, giving the bowlers something substantial to defend.
And defend it they did.
Albin Jacob was the pick of the attack with 3-37, while Jacob Nash, Henry Smith and Jody Everett all claimed two wickets apiece.
Steeple Langford battled hard and ultimately reached 220 all out, but South Wilts had done enough to secure another important victory.
There was also a nice touch to the afternoon, with some familiar faces returning to the Academy Ground. The Shardlow family — Dad Gino, Harry and Freddie — were back around the club returning to the academy ground, adding another enjoyable element to a good afternoon of cricket.
A strong all-round performance and, importantly, a result which puts the 4th XI in a very healthy position as they have just about secured their Division 5E status for another season.