Wiltshire CCC over 60 team played their inaugural match in the newly formed West of England County Championship which will link in with the countrywide competition which has been running for several years.

This first match of 6 to be played in 2009 took place at Marlborough CC on 9th June in surprisingly fine but cool weather.

Batting first Devon proceeded slowly against fine opening spells by John Williams 9 overs 1 for 11 runs and Alan Stratford 8 overs 2 for 13 with only 33 runs being scored in 15 overs. The batsmen were unable break away from the tight bowling and wickets fell steadily during the innings.

The slow bowling of Derek Beer produced 4 wickets in 7.3 overs for only 13 runs , well supported by Tim Lerwill taking 2 for 24 in 9 overs. As a result Devon were all out for 112 before completing their allotted 45 overs.

It is said catches win matches and 7 were taken in the Devon innings. For Devon only Bob Eames [24] and Tom Overthrow[30] achieved double figures.

In reply Wiltshire batted cautiously on a pitch of varied bounce and pace. Keith Redding approached the task in a positive manner scoring a fine undefeated 62 with Roger Morton contributing a competent 22. Of the Devon bowling Stuart Lott took 2 of the 3 wickets to fall for 33 runs from 9 over with David Gamble bowling very economically taking the 3rd wicket in his 8 overs conceding just 12 runs.

Wiltshire reached the target comfortably and thus won by seven wickets with nine overs to spare.

Photo names - Standing (L to R): Geoff Halls, Roger Lines, Keith Redding, Tim Lerwill, Roger Morton, David Haywood, Derek Beer, Richard Moulding[Chairman], Alan Stratford, Ansel Umpire

Seated: Tim Nichols, John Williams, Brian Thompson, Micky Dean, Maureen Stratford [Scorer]