MALRBOROUGH’S impressive start to the season continued last weekend as they claimed the derby spoils against Great Bedwyn.

Tom Norris’ side won by 97 runs at Frog Lane, notching up their fourth successive victory.

After winning the toss and deciding to bat, Marlborough openers Norris (44) and Nick Crabbe (58) shared an opening partnership of 83 to give the visitors a strong platform to build on.

Bob Homani (61) and Peter Day (27) continued the good work as Marlborough posted 235-6, with Bedwyn’s Max Andrews taking 2-57.

In reply, the hosts started the run chase brightly with an opening partnership of 85, mainly thanks to Richard Bosson (47) and John Palmer (30).

Rob Palmer’s 16 ensured that Bedwyn were still in the game at 117-4 but the hosts then suffered a collapse, losing the last six wickets for just 21.

Marlborough’s Mike Bush and Harrison Painter claimed three wickets for six and 14 respectively while Ben Head took 2-36 as Bedwyn were bowled out for 138 in the 45th over.

“We had a solid start, which Bob and Peter built on,” said Norris.

“Cox got the vital wicket of Bosson, which turned the game in our favour. Painter and Head turned the screw and Bush cleaned up the tail.”

Burbage & Easton Royal kept the pressure on rivals Marlborough with a comfortable 110-run win over Nationwide House.

Burbage batted first after winning the toss and built up a commanding lead thanks to centurion David Dope’s 107 and Michael Papps’ knock of 88.

Daniel Wootton added 33 as Tom Wallbridge’s side posted 262-2.

Jonathan Clarke offered some resistance on behalf of the visitors as he hit 74 but the Nationwide man became one of four wickets to fall to Darran Freegard, who ended with figures of 4-41.

Akash Sharma also claimed 3-14 as the visitors were skittled for 152 in the 43rd over.

Marshfield got back to winning ways with a seven-wicket triumph at Devizes.

The hosts opted to bat first after winning the toss and opener Tom Grant made 51, with Tom Andrew adding 31.

But the Marshfield bowling attack was in form, with Ben White (3-55) and Will Johnson (3-34) doing the damage as Devizes were skittled for 177 midway through the 47th over.

The visitors’ Will Johnson led the run chase with 60 whilst skipped Dan Watson (43) and Russell Lodge (35) weighed in, with Marhsfield reaching 178 in 47 overs.

Calne could not make it three wins in a row as they suffered a seven-wicket reverse at the hands of Winsley.

Skipper Dan Knight top-scored with just 25 as his side were skittled for 114 in the 44th over.

Brendan Nasser hit 36 for the visitors, who cruised to 115-3 midway through the 23rd over.

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