SEVEN weeks into the season and the ECB Southern Premier League has a familiar ring about it – South Wilts are back at the top.

The four-time champions took full advantage of Havant’s demise at Lymington and leapfrogged into first place, albeit by a solitary point.

“The table now has a good feel about it,” smiled skipper James Hayward after South Wilts had got themselves a ‘winning draw’ against visiting Alton at Bemerton.

They posted a formidable 302-6 to enjoy a superior run rate to Alton, who made 252-6 in reply.

South Wilts’ total was based around South Australia Under-19 captain Jake Winter, who celebrated his first 100 on English soil, hitting 11 fours in an elegant run-a-ball knock.

Winter flourished during a double-century second-wicket partnership with Jack Mynott (89), the pair adding 210.

Hayward (44) and Joe Cranch (33) weighed in before leg-spinner Jack Myers took 3-70 before the declaration.

South Wilts were taken by surprise as Alton – confidence brimming after thee straight wins – took the game to them, none more so than left-hander Abeed Janmohamed, who blazed two sixes and 11 fours in a gusty 89.

He and Alex Hammond (60) added 153 for the second wicket to have Hayward and his team-mates casting an anxious eye or two at the electronic scoreboard.

Scott Myers hit 33 and Mark Heffernan 26 not out as Alton found themselves short of the overall asking rate, but finished with a commendable 252-6.

“They needed something in the order of 288 – a tall order – but looked on course during that big stand,” Hayward added.

South Wilts take a slender lead into Saturday’s potentially demanding visit to Bashley (Rydal), where Rob Franklin hit a huge six off the last ball of the match to win there last season.

“That was a fantastic game – one which wins championships and there’s no doubt it went a long way towards our eventual success.

“It’s a high scoring ground and Bashley are purring along quite nicely, having won all three of their Time format games, so we know we’re in for a test.”

South Wilts will have Army all-rounder Steve Booth back for the Bashley trip.