MARLBOROUGH suffered a crushing eight-wicket defeat at the hands of Winsley on Saturday.

The loss was the fifth of the season for Ben Head’s side, who lost the toss and were put in to bat.

Opener Nick Crabbe top-scored with 41 while George Lane made 29.

Arran Dickinson hit 20 but none of the remaining Marlborough batsmen reached double figures as the Winsley bowlers went to work.

John Spencer took three wickets for 35 while Josh Rurawhe and Peter Merrell both took two for 27.

Rob Murphy claimed two for 21 as Head’s men were skittled for 138 in 44 overs.

Winsley skipper Charlie Holton led the run chase with an unbeaten 62 while Murphy also knocked an unbeaten half-century with 53.

Marlborough’s George Fox claimed the wickets of Rurawhe and Thomas Wheatley, but 23 extras meant that the hosts cruised to 141-2 in the 23rd over.

Marlborough are fifth after Saturday’s defeat, while Winsley further tightented their grip on third place.