SOUTH Wilts have continued where they left off last season - in a winning vein.

They comfortably beat Southern Electric Premier League rivals Andover by 55 runs in the ECB Cockspur Cup first round.

South Wilts batted with early season uncertainty, but useful knocks by Jason Laney (43), Eddie Abel (30), Nick Brown (27) and James Hayward (26) saw them to a winning 174 all out.

Only Roger Miller (44) made any impact as Tim Cowley (4-22) and Adam Smith (3-22) reduced Andover to 119-9.

BAT Sports must replay their first round tie against Bournemouth after heavy rain washed out play shortly after tea at Southern Gardens.

BAT were in a strong position too - having posted a challenging 238-7 off 45 overs.

David Banks led the spree, with a six-stewn 80 - he smashed six sixes and four fours in his 66-ball knock - and added 115 for the third wicket with teenager Ricky Rawlins (33).

Bournemouth were 32-0 off 6.1 overs when a storm halted play.

The Sexton brothers were influential in Bashley-Rydal's 49-run ECB Cockspur Cup win over North Maidenhead, who were Thames Valley League champions last season.

Former Hampshire left-hander Andy (36) top scored in Bashley's 150 all out and then younger brother Neil took 5-21 as North Maidenhead were shot out for 101. Kevin Nash took 3-12.

Ventnor's interest ended with a nine-wicket defeat at Newbury-based Falkland, who reached the zonal semi-finals last season.

Ian Hilsum (33) and Neil Westhorpe (31) did their bit in Ventnor's 150-9, but Falkland easily knocked off the target.

New Milton's tie against Thatcham Town was another victim of the weather. The sides are hoping to play at Fernhill on Saturday (1pm).

Cockspur Cup second round (May 8): Basingstoke & N Hants v Falkland, Havant v Burnham, Henley v Bashley (Rydal), South Wilts v Oxford, Slough v Reading, BAT Sports or Bournemouth v Kidlington, New Milton or Thatcham v Challow & Childrey.