WILTSHIRE made a positive start to the defence of their English Men’s County Championship with a 7-2 victory over Worcestershire in their opening match at Beau Desert GC, Staffordshire, today.

The county, who won the title for the first time in their history last year, joined 2010 champions Lancashire - who beat Suffolk 6-3 - as first-day winners.

Wiltshire gained a narrow lead from the foursomes but that was wiped out when Ali James (Cumberwell Park) went down to Rudy Hercik in the top single.

Wiltshire however, responded by winning the remaining five singles games, Jordan Smith (Bowood) defeated Henry James 2&1.

Josh Loughrey (Wrag Barn) defeated Richard Sadler by the same score, while Garry Slade (Bowood) got home by 2 holes against Chris Heeley.

Robbie Busher (Salisbury & South Wilts) wrapped up a 3*1 triumph against against Josh Carpenter, while Ben Loughrey (Wrag Barn) defeated Steven Lane by a hole.

In tomorrow’s action, Wiltshire play Suffolk and Lancashire meet Worcestershire.

MORE FROM THE ENGLISH COUNTY FINALS AT GAZETTEANDHERALD.CO.UK/SPORT AND WILTSHIRETIMES.CO.UK/SPORT TOMORROW AND REACTION IN NEXT WEEK'S GAZETTE & HERALD AND FRIDAY'S WILTSHIRE TIMES