Southern Premier League - Division 1.

Havant (47-6) v Totton & Eling Match abandoned (rain).

Havant were reeling at 47 for 6 when rain robbed title holders Totton & Eling a great chance of a crucial ECB Southern Electric Premier League victory at Southern Gardens.

Shane Fergusson apart, Havant's entire top order had been blown away by James Hibberd and left-armer Dan Goldstraw.

"We were in a perfect position when the rain came," claimed Totton all-rounder James Hibberd, whose four-wicket haul had the visitors on the ropes.

"The ball was jagging about all over the place, and I fancy we might have rolled them over for about 60 and scored a crucial win."

Hibberd struck a key early blow by having the dangerous Steve Dean (6) caught by Derek Kenway at slip.

With overhead and underfoot conditions near-perfect for the seam bowlers, left-hander Ben Walker (10) teed up the first of three gully catches for Rob Franklin off the bowling of Goldstraw, who then trapped Jez Bulled leg before.

Hibberd struck the other three blows, whipping out Brendan Mills (0), Richard Hindley (1) and Will Prozesky (6) before the Havant total got near 50.

Fergusson decided attack was the best form of defence and hit a quick-fire 19 before rain sent the players scurrying from the field.

"Although the Academy are going great guns, Havant are arguably THE team to beat if you are going to win the league," reflected a disappointed Hibberd.

"There was no chance of any further play after lunch, but I fancy we scored some important physiological blows before this Sunday's Cockspur Cup group final.

Totton & Eling play Havant in the ECB national club championship zone final at Southern Gardens, Sunday (July 1, 1pm).

Hursley Park's Southern Electric Premier League visit to South Wilts lasted just one ball - but that was one too many for Tom Morton!

The Southampton Solent University skipper, who was opening for South Wilts, edged Darryl Steele's solitary ball straight into the gloves of Ben Smyth.

A distraught Morton walked back to the pavilion, with SW 0-1... whereupon the heavens opened and the game was rained off.

"It didn't get any better either," Morton said. "When the game was abandoned, my teammates all told me my first baller counts in the averages."

Morton got little respite as he and his Wiltshire colleagues watched the rain come down at Bovey Tracy yesterday.

Bashley (Rydal) took two early Alton wickets before play was washed out at the BCG.