THE importance of South Wilts II's match with Flamingo could not be over-estimated. In football parlance it was a relegation six-pointer that they simply had to win.

They did, and in some style.

A rare run out in the seconds for Adam Smith brought reward as he forced some early wickets.

Flamingo rely heavily on their top order for runs and with them back in the pavilion so quickly, South Wilts had the match by the scruff of the neck and were not about to let go.

Smith picked up three wickets and James Hay-ward as usual, had the opposition in a spin with 4-43. Flamingo were finally out for 121 off 47 overs.

South Wilts needed a good start and they got it.

Jon Williams has fond memories of Flamingo, having scored his first league century against them a few years ago. He laid into their bowlers again hitting a fluent unbeaten 65 as he and skipper Steve Benbough, 31, took the score to 101 before Benbough fell.

The game was over by then though and South Wilts reached their target for no further losses.

South Wilts III's promotion charge gathered momentum as they crushed Hook. Batting first, they chalked up 239-8 with Gary Button, 84, the hero, well backed by run-machine Amish Patel, 40, and Mark Penny, 24.

Hook's reply never really got off the ground as five bowlers chipped in with two wickets apiece as Hook folded for 106.

South Wilts now look almost certain to be promoted and a win against second-placed Alton II on Saturday should wrap up the Hampshire County Division Three title.

Due to mass unavailability, it was a minor miracle that South Wilts IV managed to raise a side.

That they did and then gave their hosts such a good game was credit to skipper Andy Cooke's efforts.

Chasing Littleton's total of 200-6, South Wilts made a superb effort to reach the target.

Jono Elford, 97, came close to being the hero of the day, well supported by Matt Boatwright, 43, as they finished just short on 185 all out.