Malmesbuy 232-7 beat Westinghouse 87

DEJECTED skipper Steve Hawker said he could salvage few positives from another heavy defeat on Saturday as their relegation was confirmed.

Malmesbury, inspired by aggressive batting from opener Toby Horton, chose to bat and racked up an imposing total with help from initially limp and lifeless bowling.

In reply, it was a familiar story for Hawker’s men as the middle and lower order batsmen failed to fire on their way to a 145-run defeat.

“We were poor, very poor,” said Hawker.

“We bowled too short and too wayward at the start. They were around 130-2 off 21 overs. We pulled it back but they had freedom to play shots.

“Our openers got us off to a solid start, then Robin and I had a bit of a partnership until I watched wickets fall from the other end including five ducks.”

Westinghouse host Potterne on Saturday, where the visitors will win the league if they earn three points or more.

“Out of respect for the other teams we’ll keep doing our best,” he said. “We have nothing to lose.

“I won’t be glad to see to see the back of the season but it’s been very difficult.”