South Wilts have completed a ECB Southern Electric Premier League and Electric t20 Cup double.
They partied long into the night after clinching a second consecutive title with a convincing nine-wicket win over Bashley (Rydal) at Bemerton.
Tom Morton and Jack Mynott hit undefeated centuries as South Wilts chased down Bashley’s 233-9 to win with nine overs to spare.
“It was a truly emphatic victory – and one we needed,” reflected a relieved James Hayward, South Wilts’ captain.
“It’s always harder to defend a cup as everyone wants to beat you the next year and we’re all pretty exhausted.
“We’ve played a lot more cricket this season and asked a lot of the players, who have given great commitment all summer long.”
South Wilts cruised to a ninth victory of the season in the end – but first they had to overcome Bashley skipper Richard Morris, who was in superb form for the visitors.
Morris warmed up for tomorrow’s Minor Counties Trophy final – he played for Berkshire against Cheshire at Wormsley – by hitting 101, smashing nine sixes in the process – seven off spinner Rob Franklin, operating at the scorebox end of the ground, several of which sailed out of the ground.
“It was a fantastic knock. Richard is a class act,” Hayward conceded.
Three other Bashley batsmen – Nick Baker (27), Simon Watkins (21) and Simon Dean (22) – got past 20 as the visitors reached 233-9 (Hayward 3-27).
When South Wilts replied, Owain Phillips (17) perished at 38-1 – but that was Bashley’s solitary success.
Morton and Mynott ruled the roost after that, both hitting centuries as Bashley’s weakened bowling attack was mercilessly put to the sword.
Morton powered a six and 13 fours, while Mynott brought up his maiden Premier Division hundred with 14 boundaries.
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