SOUTH Wilts were celebrating on Saturday after being crowned league champions for the first time since 1990 when victory at Portsmouth finally put them out of reach of their other challengers, writes Mike Turner.

After last week's defeat at home to closest rivals Havant which had thrown the title race wide open again, captain Rob Wade was relieved to have wrapped up the Southern League crown with a match to go.

"We've played some great cricket," said a delighted Wade, whose side have led the challenge for honours for the past couple of months.

"We've attacked all season and we deserve to win the league."

The Salisbury side's success is even more remarkable considering they looked to have a weakened side from the one that finished sixth a year earlier.

They suffered back-to-back defeats in their opening two matches, but then won ten out of their next 11 - drawing only with Hamp-shire Academy before slipping up against Havant.

"I never imagined at the beginning of the season that we would be in this position," said Wade.

"My aim was to try and compete for a top four spot but to win it is a great feeling."

Wade praised the efforts of his hard-working team mates - the vast majority of whom have risen through the ranks via the club's impressive Colts section.

"Jason Laney and Alan Kruger have had super seasons. But all the other players have contributed from our three youngsters Eddie Abel, James Hayward and Lysander Wolf to the experienced campaigners like Jamie Glasson and Adie Holewell."