The weekend produced a mixed bag of results: the 1st XI secured a vital win at Basingstoke thanks to a brilliant century from Peter Rowe (101*), while the 2nd XI came agonisingly close to their first win of the season, falling just short at home to Hayling Island. The 3rd XI enjoyed a great win away in a local derby against Redlynch with Joe Cranch (75*) innings the highlight and the 4th XI were second best at home to Collingbourne 1st XI. Both victories this week come about as a result of someone getting in, staying in and making a big contribution that affects the outcome.

South Wilts 1st XI 300 for 7 dec (60.5 overs) – 22 pts
Basingstoke & North Hants 1st XI 152 all out (35.4 overs) – 9 pts

1st XI vs Basingstoke CC 1st XI - Scorecard

The 1st XI kicked off the red-ball campaign with a maximum points victory over Basingstoke. Asked to bat first, runs flowed throughout the innings, with Peter Rowe (101*), playing his last game for the club before moving with his family onto pastures new. He signed off with a chanceless century, his third for the club and second in the SPCL.

Rowe's composed innings laid the platform for the rest of the batters to express themselves, featuring some powerful hitting from Harry Broderick (44), Archie Fairfax-Ross (36), Trishawn Francis (29*), Tom Cheater, and Rob Pittman (21). Captain Draper declared the innings at 300/7 from 60.5 overs.

With 40 minutes before the tea interval, wickets were the aim. Henry Dunlop delivered an excellent opening spell, removing Basingstoke’s top three batters. Fairfax-Ross added another wicket before the break, reducing the hosts to 38/4 at tea.
After the interval, Tom Grant produced a season-best performance, bowling 13 overs with 3 maidens, conceding just 35 runs and taking 5 wickets. His spell tore through Basingstoke’s middle order, leaving them at 116/8. James Degg picked up the final wicket, thanks to a superb over-the-shoulder catch by Archie Fairfax-Ross.
Next week, the 1st XI are back at home to face the current SPCL leaders, Lymington CC. Play begins at 11am.

South Wilts 2nd XI 173 all out (49.5 overs) – 8 pts
Hayling Island 1st XI 182 all out (48.1 overs) – 21 pts

2nd XI vs Hayling Island CC 1st XI - Scorecard

This was very much "the one that got away" for the 2nd XI. After losing the toss, South Wilts bowled and fielded excellently, restricting Hayling Island to 182. Only opener Bosustow (44) posed much threat, and with regular wickets and improved fielding, the visitors were never able to build real momentum. A tight spell from Akram Ghauri (10 overs, 1 for 21) stifled the scoring in the middle overs, backed up by two strong spells from George Nash (4 for 28) and the ever-reliable Tom Pearce (3 for 25). Optimism was high at the halfway stage.

In reply, openers Yeo and Pearce started steadily, adding 38, but both fell quickly with the score on 40.
Vincent and Musgrove rebuilt, adding 50, and at 91 for 2 after 25 overs, needing just 92 more with 8 wickets in hand, South Wilts looked favourites.

However, the post-drinks period brought a collapse to 94 for 5 as Hayling’s bowlers hit their stride. A determined 27 from Thomas Whiting and some late resistance from Kevin Chidrawi (19) kept hopes alive, but tight bowling from Hallet, Chaplin, and Devaiah (4 for 26) saw the visitors over the line.
A missed opportunity, but the signs are encouraging. A local derby with Shrewton awaits, surely that elusive first win isn't far away?

South Wilts 3rd XI 234 for 7 (45 overs) – 24 pts
Redlynch and Hale 1st XI 192 all out (42.2 overs) – 8 pts

3rd XI vs Redlynch & Hale CC 1st XI - Scorecard

The 3rd XI picked up maximum points away in the local derby at Redlynch.
Winning the toss and opting to bat, openers Henry Smith (39) and Tom Baines (28) laid a solid foundation with a 79-run partnership. Nick Partridge, promoted to number 3, blasted a quickfire 22 before the experienced Joe Cranch anchored the innings with a fine unbeaten 75. New signing Marc Burton contributed a handy 32 near the end, helping the side post a competitive 234.

With runs on the board, the bowlers took charge. Partridge and Burton started strongly, leaving Redlynch reeling at 4 for 2. Both bowled miserly spells, with Partridge finishing with 3 for 23 and Burton 1 for 20 from his nine overs, a great debut for the new recruit. Jonas Ball cleaned up the tail with 3 for 26, supported by Ivo Leyland (2 for 50) and a run out to seal the win. Only a brilliant century from Redlynch skipper Ian Tanner (104) delayed the inevitable. A strong team performance and momentum to carry into next week.

South Wilts 4th XI 127 all out (37.5 overs) – 5 pts
Collingbourne CC 1st XI 131 for 2 (34.2 overs) – 24 pts

4th XI vs Collingbourne CC 1st XI - Scorecard

It wasn’t to be this week for the 4th XI. After some strong performances in recent matches, things just didn’t click this weekend, and the team came up short against a strong Collingbourne side.

Winning the toss and choosing to bat, South Wilts found themselves in early trouble at 2 for 2, prompting a flurry of padded-up players. Thankfully, Tommy Bray (15) and Jacob Rowe (25) steadied the innings, taking the score to 43. However, another cluster of wickets left the side at 57 for 6. Some late contributions from Asher Osborn (15) and Finn Robinson (18) lifted the total to 127, but it never looked enough on a fast outfield.

Collingbourne’s openers put on 39 before Jacob Nash dismissed both, returning an impressive 2 for 22 from 8 overs. However, Holmand (38 not out) and Tomlinson (30 not out) saw their side home without further loss. A tough day, but a valuable learning experience for a young side with plenty of promise and better days ahead.