SOUTH Wilts 2nd XI remain in trouble towards the bottom of their division as they slipped to defeat at Paultons.

Chris Steedon continued his return to form with an impressive 4-43 and James Hayward bowled a super spell of left arm spin as Paultons were restricted to 205 all out. In reply South Wilts looked well set to chase the target down as James Hayward, 55, Colin Moody, 38, and Jo Cranch, 26, batted well. However, the latter part of the innings subsided and South Wilts tailed off 36 runs short. The 2nd XI host a crucial basement clash with Hook this weekend.

South Wilts thirds lost their 100 per cent record as they slipped to a narrow defeat at Bedhampton. Severely depleted by injuries and unavailability in the firsts and seconds, they still performed well to almost overhaul a challenging target of 230-8. George Shepherd, 64, and Roger Peach, 61, laid the platform for victory and Paul Rozkowski, 41, looked to be seeing South Wilts home when he was unfortunately dismissed lbw in the penultimate over with South Wilts at 226. They visit Steep in a promotion showdown on Saturday.

South Wilts 4th XI picked up an encouraging victory over Amport seconds. James Kaye starred with an impressive half-century.