James Hayward lit up the BCG with a galaxy of unorthodox reverse sweeps, switch hits mixed in with a few strokes from the coaching manual as third placed South Wilts brought the curtain down on their season with an 81-run victory over newly crowned ECB Southern Premier Division champions Bashley (Rydal).
Playing for the final time before his impending wedding, Hayward cracked four sixes and 12 fours in a dazzling 97 scored off 73 balls as South Wilts piled up a thumping 305-9.
With Tom Morton (26) alongside, Hayward [left] had South Wilts scoring at ten runs an over during an 89-run opening stand.
Ben Draper and Raff Hussey went cheaply (125-3) before Hayward was trapped leg before by Josh Digby (3-52) three runs short of his century.
Oxford University bound Ben Fisher (54) struck a maiden Premier Division fifty while Ryan Murray (33) and Luke Evans (24) did their bit as South Wilts broke through the 300-run barrier for the second time this season.
Two lengthy rain interruptions led to the Bashley target being reduced to 266 from 38 overs – but, realistically with the title already secured, there was an anti-climatic feel in the home camp.
There were celebrations when Tom Friend made 36 to clinch the Premier Division batting award, while Ben Walker (33) and Tom Jacques (24) gave support.
Five of Bashley’s wickets fell to experienced spin duo Rob Franklin (3-53) and Paul Draper (2-16), both making a rare appearance, as Bashley fell away to 182 all out.
Franklin quickly brushed off the cobwebs by having Jacques stumped by Ben Draper off the first ball he bowled.
Playing for the final time before his impending wedding, Hayward cracked four sixes and 12 fours in a dazzling 97 scored off 73 balls as South Wilts piled up a thumping 305-9.
With Tom Morton (26) alongside, Hayward [left] had South Wilts scoring at ten runs an over during an 89-run opening stand.
Ben Draper and Raff Hussey went cheaply (125-3) before Hayward was trapped leg before by Josh Digby (3-52) three runs short of his century.
Oxford University bound Ben Fisher (54) struck a maiden Premier Division fifty while Ryan Murray (33) and Luke Evans (24) did their bit as South Wilts broke through the 300-run barrier for the second time this season.
Two lengthy rain interruptions led to the Bashley target being reduced to 266 from 38 overs – but, realistically with the title already secured, there was an anti-climatic feel in the home camp.
There were celebrations when Tom Friend made 36 to clinch the Premier Division batting award, while Ben Walker (33) and Tom Jacques (24) gave support.
Five of Bashley’s wickets fell to experienced spin duo Rob Franklin (3-53) and Paul Draper (2-16), both making a rare appearance, as Bashley fell away to 182 all out.
Franklin quickly brushed off the cobwebs by having Jacques stumped by Ben Draper off the first ball he bowled.
Ben Fisher, maiden Premier Division fifty. Pictures Roiy Honeybone. .
