MARLBOROUGH took on Wootton Bassett at home on Saturday but failed to recreate the all-round team effort of the previous week, falling to a 40 run defeat.

Bassett won the toss and elected to bat on what was probably the finest prepared wicket at Marlborough for some time.

Bassett looked comfortable at the crease, in particular Walker with a fine 89 with support from Leach 43. With Marlborough's main attack not quite firing, Bassett looked to be on for a huge total, especially after a commanding and ultimately crucial knock of 62 by Chanal.

But a late rally by Marlborough saw wickets tumble including an unusual team hat-trick. Sharma had already taken two wickets in 2 balls including that of Chanal, when the next wicket also fell next ball by way of run-out.

Marlborough had to be content with chasing Bassett's 244-7 off 45 overs and with the pick of the bowling being Vinay Sharma who bowled without much luck and ended with slightly distorted figures of 4 for 85 off 13 overs.

Fifteen-year-old Tom Wallbridge, on his debut for the first team, lived up to the high regard that club have for him with good spells at the beginning and end of the innings to finish with a promising nine overs, 2 maidens, 2 for 34.

Marlborough reverted back to last season's successful opening partnership of Tom Norris and captain Navid Ahmad. The pair looked at ease and ticked the score along at 4 an over against a steady attack, backed up by a very vocal and intimidating field.

It was a surprise when two quick wickets fell, Norris first for 27 and Ahmad soon after for 38 to leave Marlborough 72 for 2 off 20 overs.

But Hendy Alleyene and Pete Day looked assured and played good shots to take Marlborough past the 150 mark with 11 overs left to go at a shade of 8 an over, but with the advantage of right wickets left, Marlborough had every reason to feel confident.

However, the turning point came when Alleyene was bowled by L. Stevens for a confident 44 and Day feeling the pressure played a loose shot two overs later for his almost effortless 33. Marlborough consequently lost their way with the pressure of the run chase and good fielding by Bassett mixed with the odd good fortune.

Eventually, Marlborough settled for extra batting points to end 40 runs short at 204 for 9.

A close game thus ended with 19 points for the visitors and 7 to 'Borough.

Marlborough face Woodmancote at home on Saturday, looking for the taste victory again.