Morgan’s all-round heroics in vain as Havant are pipped for the Southern Premier League East group title – by just two points

Skipper Chris Morgan produced a superb all-round performance, top scoring with 71 and taking five cheap wickets in a 148-run romp at The Hollow.

But Havant just failed to finish top of their group and book a grand final date with West group champions Bournemouth.

Instead, that honour goes to St Cross 2nds whose success against Rowledge saw them finish just two points clear of Havant.

Both teams won five and lost one of their eight group games, with two rained off - including their match against each other.

St Cross ended with an 18.17 average, compared to Havant’s 17.83.

Morgan and opener Peter Hopson (70) shared a fourth-wicket partnership of 102 as Havant eased to 223-9 (Jordan Wright 3-50).

Two early strikes by Richard Jerry (2-20) saw Sarisbury crash to 39-4 (Sam Floyd 18) before Morgan brought his flighted left-arm spin into the attack.

He sliced through the rest of the Athletic batting to take five of the last six wickets to fall as Sarisbury were skittled for 75.

Morgan finished with 5-20 in six overs, taking his SPL East group tally to 17 with his best figures since bagging 6-24 in a National Club Championship tie against Frocester in 2016.

Harry Foyle top scored with 71 as St Cross 2nds won the East group with a 61-run victory against Rowledge.

Foyle played the first three games of the SPL season for St Cross 1sts in the West division.

Ex-Hampshire batsman Jason Laney hit 40 as the Winchester-based club posted 213-6 off their 40 overs after electing to bat.

David Orchard claimed 4-18 as Rowledge were restricted to 152-9 in reply.