BURBAGE & Easton Royal skipper Tom Wallbridge toasted a successful Saturday as his side ended Marlborough’s unbeaten run and were then handed a surprise title boost.

Wallbridge was among the wickets as his side broke their visitors’ eight-game winning streak and better news was to follow as leaders Swindon slipped to a shock three-wicket loss to bottom side Nationwide House.

Wallbridge, whose side are now just four points off top spot, said: “It was a very satisfying win and a great performance, probably one of our best so far.

Referring to Swindon’s result, he said: “It shows that every team in this league is dangerous.

“Marlborough was an important game for us, but every game is because it’s such a tight league.’’ Marlborough won the toss and batted against Burbage and were in early trouble at 25-4.

Peter Day (34) and George Penfold (28) steadied them but, at 119-8, the hosts were still in difficulty before Ben Head’s 27 not out took them to 157-9 off their 50 overs.

Wallbridge (3-26), Darren Freegard (3-27) and Akash Sharma (3-50) were the pick of the bowlers.

In reply, Burbage opener David Cope hit 44, New Zealand star Michael Papps adding an unbeaten 68 and Daniel Wootton scored 26 not out as Burbage reached their victory target for the loss of just two wickets.

Head took 1-31 and Tom Davies 1-21, but Marlborough skipper Tom Norris said: “We just didn’t turn up and our top four got blown away.

“It’s disappointing but we have to move on and put another run together and I’m sure there will be lots of twists before the end of the season.’’ Great Bedwyn’s slide down the table continued as Devizes inflicted a third successive defeat on them to go fourth.

Openers Tom Grant (63) and Tom Andrew (57) put the visitors in a strong position and knocks of 43 from James Langan and 53 from Will Thomas helped them to 258 all out.

Max Andrew took 4-45 and Bedwyn’s reply was aided by 60 from Josh Quinn, opener John Palmer’s 49 and 40 from skipper Dan Swatton.

However, they finished eight runs short on 250-9 as their 50 overs ran out.

Calne put further distance between themselves and second-from-bottom Marshfield as they secured a five-wicket success at their local rivals.

Marshfield made 213-7, thanks mainly to a fifth-wicket stand of 136 between wicketkeeper Padraig Shipp (40) and William Johnson (80), Joseph Clare taking 3-37.

Jordan Butler’s 46 from 48 balls helped Calne’s reply get off to a good start before a partnership of 104 between Thomas Richards (69*) and Julian Kearney (38) did most of the damage.

Calne reached 215-5 in 47 overs.