WILTSHIRE team boss Neil Shardlow saluted the performance of his side as they kicked off their summer by clinching the Marlborough Cup at South Wilts.

The home side retained the trophy with a 58-run win over Berkshire in their first outing of the season as new skipper Mike Coles (pictured) struck an unbeaten 70 in 54 balls.

Shardlow said: “It may be a friendly game, but it’s one that we always try to win and we got the season off to a good start.

“Berkshire won the Knockout Trophy last season and it was largely the same side that played against us in Sunday’s game.

“But in all three aspects of the game – batting, bowling and fielding – we outfought them, and we had a few good performances from some of the players.

“Mike (Coles) got a good total on Sunday. He got some big scores last year and when he did, so did the team, so I think that he’ll be looking to try and be more consistent with those scores this year.’’ Wiltshire won the toss and batted, making 257-7. As well as Coles’ knock Henry Langford scored 61, Neil Clark 46 and Ed Young 34.

In reply, Berkshire were all out for 199 in 45 .2 overs as Richard Morris scored 54, David Barnes 40 and Shelvin Gumbs 45 not out. Ashur Morrison took 4 for 40.

Wiltshire’s final warm-up match is against Dorset at South Wilts on (Monday (11am).

Squad v Dorset: Michael Coles (Corsham, captain), Joe Breet (Lechlade), Neil Clark (Potterne), Tom Foley (Corsham), James Hayward (South Wilts), Ed Kilbee (Goatacre), Adam Miles (Cardiff, wicketkeeper), Ashur Morrison (Corsham), Tom Morton (South Wilts), Jake Roberts (Potterne), Steve Warner (South Wilts), Ed Young (Potterne).

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