South Wilts 3rd XI produced a composed and clinical performance to see off Bournemouth 3rd XI by 48 runs at home, led by a magnificent unbeaten century from Max Cordle and a gritty 73* from Ivo Leyland.

Skipper Jody Everett chose to bat first and avoid another high-pressure chase, and it paid off. After a steady start and a flurry of wickets mid-innings, it was the junior pair of Cordle and Leyland who stole the show with a 180-run unbeaten partnership. Cordle's 119* included 19 boundaries and three sixes, marking him out as a serious talent for the future. Leyland offered calm support, finding the gaps and keeping the scoreboard ticking throughout.

South Wilts posted a commanding 291 for 4 from their 50 overs.

With the ball, the hosts held firm. Nick Partridge struck early and finished with 3 for 41, while the ever-reliable Everett bagged two wickets with his mixed bag of deliveries.

Bournemouth made a fight of it, but they never looked likely to chase down the target, ending on 243 for 9.

A brilliant team display, and one that keeps the season alive. Whether this is the start of a late surge or a final show of strength, time will tell. For now, it’s a result (and a photograph) worth celebrating!