WILTSHIRE lost their opening match of the season against Berkshire for the Marlborough Cup at Thatcham by 31 runs.

Wiltshire, captained by vice-captain, Jason Searle, in the absence of Russell Rowe who was stranded in Spain on holiday, won the toss and put Berkshire in to bat on a damp wicket.

Berkshire scored 214-6 in their 50 overs with Michael Coles taking 4-37 and James Hibberd 2-41.

Wiltshire made a good start with an opening stand of 57 between Kevin Blackburn (53) and Chris Budd (28) and at one time were 107-1 after 23 overs.

However the later order batsmen were unable to capitalise on the good start and only Richard Illingworth with 43 made any impression and Wiltshire ended 183 all out, with Oliver Bailey unable to bat having dislocated a finger while keeping wicket.

Wiltshire's next match is against Hampshire 2nd XI at the Rose Bowl, Southampton on Wednesday.

Team

Russell Rowe (South Wilts) (captain), Jason Searle (Chippenham) (vice-captain), Richard Bates (Chippenham), Michael Coles (Bridgwater), Paul Draper (South Wilts), James Hibberd (Calmore Sports), Kevin Nash (Bashley/Rydal), Steve Perrin (Corsham), Baqar Rizvi (Barnet), Neil Shardlow (Corsham), Jimmy Taylor (Winchester K S).