WILTSHIRE bounced back in the Middleton Cup with a comprehensive 59-shot victory at Ross-on-Wye but progress to the quarter-finals is still a tall order.

They easily overcame the challenge of Herefordshire 162-103 in their latest inter-county championship match.

Wiltshire took the honours on four of the six rinks to collect eight points plus 10 for the win and stay second in the South Midland group table.

In the other match Worcestershire, who beat Wiltshire by five shots at Wootton Bassett a fortnight ago, gained 20 out of a possible 22 points in their 143-115 victory over Warwickshire.

With one match each to go in the group Worcestershire are odds-on favourites to win their final game and progress to the quarter-finals at Wiltshire's expense.

At Ross-on-Wye Mark Dyer's foursome were never troubled in a 14 shot win, while Dave Snell's rink recovered from 5-1 down at five ends to win by 17 shots.

Ian Jefferies' quartet were equally impressive, leading 11-0 at five ends and 17-6 at 10 before securing an 18-shot victory.

The other win was recorded by Neil Smith's foursome who pulled away for 14-shot success.

The two reverses came on the rinks skipped by Steve Warren and Graham Shadwell. Warren's quartet led 8-0 and 15-10, only to lose 22-19.

Graham Shadwell made a disastrous start and was 10-1 down at five ends but had fought back to only 18-12 at 15. In the remaining six ends his team collected six shots but were pipped by one shot on the last end.

In the final group matches on July 3 Wiltshire play at home at Wootton Bassett against Warwickshire while Worcestershire host Herefordshire.

Wiltshire must win by a big margin to give themselves any chance of a quarter-final slot.

Results

Rink 1: Mel Biggs, Tony Stevenson, Neil Hope and Mark Dyer (all Westlecot) beat Mike Ricketts 31-17.

Rink 2: Kevin Embling (Westlecot), Mick Crook (Amesbury), Andy Moore (Spencer Melksham) and Dave Snell (Wootton Bassett) beat Ian Maddox 30-13.

Rink 3: Barry Sictorness, John Williamson (both Wootton Bassett), Gary Morphet (Rodbourne Cheney) and Ian Jefferies (Westlecot) beat Mark Lovelock 33-15.

Rink 4: Malcolm Webb (Holt), Russell Francis (Spencer Moulton), Keith Hutchens (Westinghouse) and Graham Shadwell (Spencer Moulton) lost to Dave Magness 18-19.

Rink 5: John Thomas (Westlecot), Ian Williams (Purton), Steve Snell (Wootton Bassett) and Steve Warren (Westlecot) lost to Mike Smith 19-22.

Rink 6: Graham Hatherall (Westlecot), Chris Cheesley (Purton), Mike Jackson and Neil Smith (both Westlecot) beat Rob Gwilliam 31-17.

Wiltshire (18pts) beat Herefordshire (4pts) 162-103.

Wiltshire were winners last year of the South Western Counties League Championship, going through the entire campaign undefeated.

They begin the defence of the crown when they visit Dorset at Gillingham on Sunday, June 27.

Team

Rink 1: Dave Wheeldon (Westlecot), Adam Tanner (Town Gardens), Paul Sloman (Westlecot) and Nick Grenfell (Box).

Rink 2: Richard Hindley (Wilton), John Ellis (Amesbury), Rob Etherington (Westlecot) and Steve Heseltine (Chippenham Town).

Rink 3: Mike Hall (Westlecot), Rob Clews (Wootton Bassett), Jeremey Haselton and Billy McCay (both Chippenham Town).

Rink 4: David Eatwell (Westlecot), David Godwin (Trowbridge Town), Ben Gadd (Holt) and Adie Lloyd (Chippenham Town).

Rink 5: Jason White (Marlborough), Peter Frost (Alderbury), Mike Savin and John Lucas (both Chippenham Town).

Rink 6: Andrew Deverill (Wilton), Ben Hatton (Amesbury), Bob Tanner (Downton) and Terrry Spreadbury (Amesbury).