WILTSHIRE’S hopes of reaching the Unicorns Knockout Trophy final came up short on Sunday as they fell to a four-wicket defeat away at Berkshire.

Having been bowled out for 199 after opting to bat first, a target of 200 was always going to be difficult to defend and Berkshire eased over the winning line with 33 balls to spare.

Wiltshire coach Tom Morton said: "Berkshire are a really strong side at Minor Counties level, so it was always going to be a tough ask.

"We probably should have scored a few more runs in the first innings. Our score was a little bit under-par.

"We did well to make a game of it by making them work hard in their chase and taking a few wickets, but we were probably a bit short of where we needed to be.

"That's the only disappointing thing. If we had got another 30 runs or so, it would have been a good game."

Morton would have been pleased with the start his side made as they began their innings, with James Regan (37) and Jake Goodwin (23) sharing an opening stand of 61.

Although three wickets fell in quick succession, captain Young (48) set about a rebuilding job.

However, no partner was able to stay with him at the crease for any length of time, and when Young fell to leave the score on 140-7, Wiltshire looked vulnerable.

Number nine Tahir Afridi (35) played a vital cameo towards the end of the innings to get the visitors up to a respectable total of 199 before he became the last man to fall in the final over.

Euan Woods (4-40) led the Berkshire attack, supported by Chris Peploe (3-29).

Jacob Lintott was able to pick up an early wicket as Berkshire began their reply, but Wiltshire could not take them regularly enough as the hosts made comfortable progress towards the target.

Archie Carter (55) and Tom Scriven (52) got them close to the winning line before it was safely passed in the 44th over.

Arthur Godsal was the pick of the Wiltshire bowlers with 2-45.

Wiltshire now turn their attentions back to the Unicorns Championship, and start their next Western Division game away at Herefordshire on Sunday.

Morton said: "We have been doing pretty well in three-day cricket, although it was disappointing to lose at home to Wales in the last game.

"We are in a good position and the objective is to finish in the top half of the table for when the competition is split into two next year."