HARTLEY Wintney’s late season surge continued after a very impressive 142-run victory over visiting South Wilts seconds.

The visitors themselves had been in good form in recent weeks and it started so well for them when James Wade removed opener Will Kerr for a duck and Matt Burton bowled Harry Broderick for three.

At 4-2 the home side looked in trouble, but a superb third wicket stand from Jason Knibbs and Scott Baldwin worth 144 put them back in the driving seat.

Baldwin was the third man out bowled by Jack Shearman, his excellent 83 saw him hit 13 fours and two sixes.

Knibbs and Dan Nightingale (18) took the score past 200 and then 28 runs later, Knibbs having just completed a superb century, was caught by Wade to give Stearman his second wicket of the game.

Knibbs’ ton had included 14 fours and two sixes.

It was left to Jamie Teale (27) and Jonny Kerr (14) with an unbroken six wicket partnership to steer the side to 265-5.

The South Wilts reply got off to the worst possible start with Sam Arnold dismissed in the first over being trapped leg before by Anthony Parson.

The visitors then looked to have recovered things as Jack Stearman (20) and Joe Cranch (19) got the score to 38.

However, at his point Parson (5-38) decided to remove the top order with wickets in four consecutive overs, one being a very well held caught and bowled, which left them on 55-5.

Baldwin (3-6) then joined in the fun as bowled Sam Pittman and James Wade had Ben Fisher caught behind by Will Kerr.

At 78-8, the home side were well on top, but at that point Luke Harnsford (40) and Matt Burton (13 not out) took up the mantle.

They moved the score past 100 and things for the visitors looked a lot more positive.

This was to all to change quickly after the drinks break, as Nightingale joined attack and in the space of five balls, finished off the innings.

He had Harnsford caught by Dan Reynaldo and then last man Will Hewlett hit the ball to Teale, as South Wilts were all out for 123 in the 29th over.

A delighted Hartley captain Will Kerr said: “It did not start well for us, but Jason (Knibbs) and Scott (Baldwin) got us back in the game and AP (Anthony Parson) with five wickets put us in control.