South Wilts thirds are elevated on account of finishing runners-up to Odiham & Greywell in County 3 North – a remarkable achievement after the opening three matches of the season had all ended in defeat !
“May was a worrying time,” confessed Everett. “But then we put together an amazing run of 11 straight wins to finish a minute 0.02 of a point above Amport. It was astonishing stuff, but credit to such a young side for their achievement.
“Also, you have to remember, we frequently lost players to second team calls, so that makes our feat it even sweeter.”
Champions Odiham were among the clubs South Wilts beat (by 21 runs) in their mid-summer run – promotion meaning that South Wilts will have Bournemouth II, Bramshaw, Ferndown Wayfarers and Sway on a demanding fixture card in 2018.
Darren Sargant, one of the father figures in the South Wilts IIIs, finished top scorer with 412, while Edward Wade made 346 and Wiltshire Under-17s centurion Henry Smith making 323.
Teenager Ben Fisher, who only joined the Bemerton set this season, grabbed 28 wickets in his debut season, while Robert Crossley bagged 19 victims behind the stumps.
In all, South Wilts III won 11 of their 15 matches, losing the initial three and then the very last.