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, looking to preserve their 100 per cent record, 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 Chahal.

However, a late rally by Marlborough saw wickets tumble including an unusual team hat-trick.

Sharma had already taken two wickets in two balls including that of Chahal, when the next wicket also fell next ball by way of a run-out.

Marlborough had to be content with chasing Bassett's 244-7 off 45 overs, with the pick of the bowling being Vinay Sharma, who bowled without much luck and ended with slightly distorted figures of 4-85 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 9-2-2-34.

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 four an over against a steady attack.

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

However, 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 over eight an over, but with the advantage of eight 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.

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