DEVIZES lost their opening game of the season by four wickets despite a fantastic opening performance by Richard Wright.

Wright, who hit 67 runs, and picked up two wickets but opponents Hatherley and Reddings strolled to victory.

Devizes lost the toss and were put into bat and after Mark Colyer (3) was bowled by Simon Evans they had slumped to 37-3.

However a partnership of 53 between Guy Tadman (30) and Wright and one of 50 between Wright and Dave Walters (20) steadied the ship.

With five overs left captain Andy Hodder came into the fold and hit 34, including three fours, which gave the scoreline some respectability.

With the home side falling to 19-2 a win was on the cards but a partnership of 74 between Steve Burry (40) and James Hutter (54) and another of 72 between Hutter and Charlie Briggs (44 not out) took the game away.

Hodder was disappointed with the defeat but not deflated.

"Richard Wright played well and hit two big sixes including one that went out of the ground, over the stream and into the gardens of the nearby houses, which was very satisfying to see,'' he said.

"Owen Burgess bowled very well too getting two wickets in each spell ending with figures of 4-35.

"If we could have taken a couple of wickets after they were 19-2 then we could have gone on to win."

Devizes play Warminster at home this Saturday in what is expected to be a tough game between the two Wiltshire sides.