BERKSHIRE completed their pre-season campaign with a 37-run defeat by Wiltshire in their annual challenge match for the Marlborough Cup.

The hosts, having won the toss, batted first at Corsham last Sunday and made 235-8 in their 50 overs.

Tom Morton top scored with 69 before being caught by wicket-keeper Stewart Davison off the bowling of Martin Andersson, while Ashur Morrison made 43 not out.

Henley paceman Tom Nugent had Berkshire’s best bowling figures of 10-3-39-2, while spinner Euan Woods also finished with an impressive 10-1-29-2.
Chris Peploe and Euan Brock claimed a wicket apiece while the other to fall came from a direct hit run out by Michael Roberts.

In reply, Roberts made 11 and fellow opener Hussain six, but Berkshire lost three wickets with the total on 24 with Andersson and Brandon Gilmour both out for ducks.

A stand of 84 between skipper James Morris and Woods put the visitors back in the game before Morris was out for 59 with the sixth wicket falling on 132 in the 33rd over. Andy Rishton made 14, Davison nine and Peploe five.

Woods was last man out for 62 after he and Henley team-mate Nugent (10no) had added 29 for the 10th wicket. 

Berks were all out for 198 in the 46th over.

Berkshire begin their Unicorns Trophy campaign on Sunday (11am) when they play Dorset at Falkland CC.