Lymington know that must win their last two matches of the season if they are to prise the ECB British Gas Southern Premier League title away from either South Wilts or Havant.

With two home matches at the Sports Ground to go – they host Burridge before a possible decider with Havant – Lymington are 14 points of the pace at the top.

“We need Havant to beat South Wilts next week, it’s as simple as that,” reflected Lymington captain Simon Beetham.

Lymington had to take care chasing down the Academy’s modest 165, losing six wickets against a young county side which never threw the towel in.

They won an important toss on a damp and freshly cut strip, with Matt Metcalfe (3-15) extracting movement and reducing the Academy to 25-3.

Fresh from his midweek county IIs century against Worcestershire, Tom Scriven (76) led an Academy fightback, initially with Fletcha Middleton (20) after which only Pat Holly (27) made his mark.

All the time Lymington took wickets, with Felix Ambrose (3-38) and Richard Lock (2-34) making late in roads.

Ben Rogers (35) gave Lymington’s innings a typically explosive start, but the visitors were never in ‘easy street’ as the Academy kept chipping away with their spinners.

The Organ brothers, Felix and Zac bowled particularly well, conceding only 43 runs off their combined 17 overs.

But all eight Lymington batsmen made double figures – Lock 24 – before victory was achieved in the 45th over.