Wiltshire gave themselves a lift with victory in their final Middleton Cup trial match against Hampshire at Wootton Bassett on Sunday.

Following defeats to Somerset and Oxfordshire in the first two trial matches, Wiltshire bounced back to record an impressive 131-101 victory over their formidable opponents, winning on five of the six rinks.

Neil Smith's rink was always in command and scored a fine 23-11 victory over Nick Jones.

Despite being 16-8 behind at 13 ends, the rink skipped by Iain Jefferies battled back to win 22-20.

England International Graham Shadwell inspired his rink to an excellent 27-15 success over Paul May, while Mark Dyer's rink withstood a late rally by the Hampshire rink skipped by 2002 EBA bowler of the year Martin Sekjer to win 23-18.

Steve Warren led from the front with some brilliant bowling as his rink battled to a creditable 17-22 score against the impressive Leo May.

And Dave Snell continued his fine form, leading his rink to a 19-15 victory over Julian Haines.

Match details: (Wiltshire Skips first): Neil Smith 23 Nicky Jones 11; Ian Jefferies 22 Chris Daniels 20; Graham Shadwell 27 Paul May 15; Mark Dyer 23 Martin Sekjer 18; Dave Snell 19 Julian Haines 15; Steve Warren 17 Leo May 22.

The selectors now have the difficult task of deciding on the Wiltshire team to play the first Middleton Cup group match against Warwickshire on June 7.

They will meet later in the week to decide on the format of the team.

Stratton Chruchways Bowls Club held their annual charity gala on Sunday, with a cheque for £1,000 being handed over to the Wiltshire Air Ambulance Appeal.

The Saxons, a team from Cricklade BC, won the Terry Preston Memorial Trophy, narrowly beating a rink from Fairford.

The Cricklade rink was skipped by Eric Collier, running out winners 14-12 in a close final.

The day saw teams, some from as far afield as Reading and Salisbury, battle it out .

Stratton Churchways were well represented by rinks skipped by Arthur Baker and Alan Gough, but they failed to benefit from their home advantage, and both went out in the qualifiying rounds.

Organiser Gough said: "The day was a great success and I'm pleased that a small Wiltshire club could help raise vital funds for the Air Ambulance appeal."