TOM Morton and James Hayward shared a record breaking 300-run partnership as South Wilts’ relentless pursuit of a unique fourth successive ECB Southern Electric Premier Division title continued without pause for breath against league rivals Havant.

Morton (164) and Hayward (141) broke an 11-year Premier Division record, both hitting personal-best scores during their third-wicket alliance as their nearest rivals were beaten by 137 runs, writes Mike Vimpany.

South Wilts piled up 321-4 before bowling out Havant, their only serious title challengers, for 184 (Ryan Duffield 3-53).

The double over Havant makes South Wilts hot favourites for yet another crown.

They enjoy a substantial 35-point advantage going into the four-match home run of 50-over cricket, which brings the curtain down on the season.

“It’s a fantastic position to be in and what James and myself achieved against Havant will long live in the memory,” smiled Morton.

Ironically, South Wilts could hardly have made a worse start to a match which Havant needed to win to close the 14-point gap that separated the two title contenders.

Andy Gorvin had Eddie Abel caught at slip off the day’s first ball and in his next over had Jack Mynott, the Wiltshire Minor Counties batsman, stumped down the leg-side by Jez Bulled.

“That wasn’t in the game plan,” Hayward laughed. “Tom and myself had to knuckle down and bat responsibly to wrest the initiative away from Havant.

“Once we’d done that, we just powered on and batted them out of the game.”

The on-looking Vice-President’s luncheon party was treated to a sumptuous display of batting.

Morton came in at lunch on 93, while Hayward – whose first six scoring shots all sizzled to the boundary – was on 79.

Havant’s attack – minus Hampshire’s Brad Wheal who, like Sean Terry, pulled out of the game the night before – was torn to shreds as Morton quickly reached his second hundred of the season. Hayward raised his bat soon after.

There were four sixes and boundaries galore – Morton hit 25 and Hayward 17.

The SEPL’s previous record stand was the 295 shared by BAT’s Neal Parlane and Damian Shirazi, against the Hampshire Academy in 2004.