WILTSHIRE fell at the first hurdle in their bid for glory in the inter-county championship.

They were narrowly beaten 115-109 by Warwickshire in the opening round of the Liberty Trophy.

Wiltshire took the honours at North Wilts (Chippenham) winning on two of the three rinks for a 59-46 success.

However, at Avon Valley (Lighthorne Heath) they only managed to draw on one of the three rinks and went down 69-50.

Wiltshire led 60-49 overall at halfway but were pegged back by the midlands county in the last 11 ends.

Andy Moore was only drawing 8-8 at home after 10 ends but went on to record a 10-shot win, while Steve Remington's 15-6 advantage at 10 was cut back to only a four shot win.

Dave Snell was 10-6 up at 10 ends but eventually lost by one shot.

At Avon Valley, Neil Smith was 18-7 up at 10 ends but had to settle for a 23-23 draw.

However, on the other two rinks Ian Jefferies and Neil Hope had to give second best to international duo Alan Prew and Greg Moon.

Results

Home (at North Wilts) Rink 1: Kevin Embling, John Williamson, Mick Crook and Dave Snell lost to A Smith 17-18; Rink 2: Jason Shirley, Paul Macdonald, Nick Grenfell and Steve Remington beat M Timms 21-17; Rink 3: Malcolm Webb, Luke Meehan, Keith Hutchens and Andy Moore beat T Francis 21-11.

Away (at Avon Valley) Rink 1: Barry Sictorness, Dave Royle, Gary Morphet and Ian Jefferies lost to Alan Prew 11-26; Rink 2: John Thomas, Jamie Titcombe, Mel Biggs and Neil Hope lost to Greg Moon 16-20; Rink 3: Mike Hall, David Vowles, Hedley Bowen and Neil Smith drew with P Speake 23-23.

n THAMESDOWN and Westlecot both made a winning start to their winter Wessex League campaign.

Thamesdown beat local rivals Fairford 85-79 while Westlecot beat Oxford and District by a similar score.

Results

Thamesdown v Fairford

Home: Eddie Boulton lost 13-23; Tony Flemington won 30-13. Away: Ray Ford won 18-17; Malcolm Curtis lost 24-26.

Westlecot v Oxford & D

Home: Mike Jackson won 26-15; Mel Biggs won 28-26. Away: Hedley Bowen lost 24-26; Martin Hope lost 16-19.