THE WEPL Wiltshire title was all but handed to runaway leaders Marshfield on Saturday after closest pursuers Swindon were beaten by three wickets in a low-scoring game at the Broadleys.

Marshfield took Swindon’s final four wickets for only seven runs and consequently restricted them to just 125.

In reply, Marshfield knocked off the runs with 25 overs to spare, although they did lose seven wickets on their way to victory.

Nonetheless, the hosts’ win means Swindon now face a mammoth task of clawing back the 56 points that separate them from Marshfield.

And Swindon skipper Marc Williamson accepts that task is a bridge too far for his troops.

He said: “Marshfield have been the standout team in the league, and it looks like they’re going to go on and take the crown.

“Saturday was a tough day all round, you always know what you’re going to get when you play Marshfield.

“They stuck us in early and we were probably 30 or 40 runs short in the end.

“The game was certainly in their favour between innings – 150 would’ve been interesting, and 180 I would’ve backed us every day.”

Elsewhere, Royal Wootton Bassett’s hopes of finishing the year in the division’s top half faded after they lost by 107 runs to Warminster.

Only Morgan Marsh-Ballard (33) hit double figures for Bassett as they crashed to 70 all out following the visitors’ post of 177.

Purton remain rooted to the bottom of the table after they suffered a 118-run loss at home to Westbury.

Graham Hudson’s sensational ton put Westbury in the driving seat as they remained third in the table ahead of Devizes.

Potterne 2nds defeated Hinton Charterhouse by three wickets following a successful run chase.

Hinton set Saturday’s opponents 249 to win after being bowled out in 47 overs.

Potterne’s Josh Hoddler starred with the bat in reply, hitting 77, as the hosts reached their target with eight overs to spare.

Devizes also had reason to celebrate after they won against mid-table Calne.

Despite being restricted to 203-9, Calne couldn’t match the visitors’ efforts and slumped to 155 all out.

Aden Perry (42) top scored with the bat for Calne, Devizes meanwhile had several scorers of at least 18 to thank for reaching their score.