WINNING the toss, Colin Webb decided to bat and after a cautious start the first 20 overs realised 53 runs for the loss of two wickets.

Doc Warley with 36 was the mainstay of this score.

With only Geoff Edwards adding 41 in his usual flambuoyant manner, plus a delightful and spirited knock from John Williams who creamed the Hampshire attack with a quick fire 19 from just 13 balls, Wiltshire closed their innings on a disappointing 174 for 8.

After tea the sun came out and the scourge of the Wiltshire bowlers over the past few years Harris and Swaine had no intention of standing on ceremony. Harris with 45, Swain 61no and Sargent 39no ensured the home side victory by eight wickets with 10 overs to spare.

Wiltshire v Channel Islands

WILTSHIRE welcomed the champions elect to Trowbridge .

The home side won the toss and putthe visitors into bat .

Although the extremely depleted home attack, with three front line bowlers unavailable, picked up two early wickets, it was not too long before the Islanders took full advantage of the Wiltshire change bowlers and ran up a formidable total of 278 for the loss of 5 wickets.

Des Jeffery 0 for 23 in nine overs and John Williams 2 for 43 were the pick of the Wiltshire attack.

In reply the Wiltshire openers started at very quick pace with 35 runs coming off just eight overs. However, with the departure of both openers in quick succession, the Islanders strong bowling attack took control and soon had the home side batsmen tied up. With the next 24 overs bringing only 55 runs for a further loss of four wickets, Wiltshire were hopelessly positioned at 90 for 6 with just 13 overs to go. The earlier batsmen had settled in well but failed to go on to big scores with Keith Redding 21 in 21 balls, Colin Webb 21 and Andy Foyle 18.

Wiltshire closed their innings on 154 for 7.

It has been a disappointing season for the seniors with just one victory and a chronic shortage of players. Anyone reaching 50 by the start of the season can contact (01722) 712694.