NEIL Shardlow has labelled Wiltshire’s campaign as “remarkable’’, despite narrowly missing out on lifting the Minor Counties Championship for the first time in 105 years on Tuesday, writes MATT EDWARDS.

The hosts looked to have given themselves a real chance of lifting the crown for the first time since 1909 after bowling out Eastern Division champions Staffordshire for 254 in their second innings at South Wilts.

Needing 252 to win, Wiltshire instead found themselves pegged back by the bowling of Greg Willott, who swept through the top order and ended with 4-28 and came up 28 runs short.

“The feeling after the match was one of disappointment because the players really felt like they could win it,” said.

“Despite this result it was a remarkable effort from the players and they all need to be proud of what they achieved not only for the team and Wiltshire but for themselves.

“After last year it was a case of rebuilding for this season. We had a new captain who had different ideas and we were able to get off to a great start.

“Ten straight wins put us in a great position for the season and gave the players a lot of confidence.”

Wiltshire found themselves in a strong position on day one after losing the toss and being put in to field.

The home side bowled out the Eastern Division champions for 227 before reaching 155-3 at the close.

“From our perspective on the first morning we were in two minds, whether bat first or not, because there was still a lot of dew about,” added Shardlow.

“That was taken out of our hands when they won the toss and we got to bowl first.

“I think in the first innings, to get them out for 227, I was quite pleased with that and thought it was a below average score.

“When it came to batting we were in a great position over night.

“We lost a wicket to a run out just before the close of play which was a bit frustrating and could have put a bit of a different complexion on the score.”

Wiltshire failed to capitalise on their strong over-night position as they were dismissed for 231, a lead of just four runs.

Staffordshire fought back in the second innings and had reached 242-7 in the second innings by the close of day two of the four-day encounter.

The hosts looked to have given themselves a real chance after taking three early wickets when played resumed, bowling out Staffordshire for 254 in their second innings.

Needing 252 to win, Wiltshire instead found themselves coming up agonisingly short despite a final innings knock of 87 by captain Mike Coles.

“What we needed to do was put ourselves in front by 50 or 70 runs, but to go in only four runs in front from the position we were in is, in hindsight, probably where we lost the game,” said Shardlow.

“If it had been a bigger total in front we could have put more pressure on Staffordshire.

“We bowled well to start the second innings and the game ebbed and flowed and we came back into it.

“When we got the three early wickets on day three we thought we had a fair score to chase.

“We didn’t bat well at the top of the innings again and we were never really in front of where we wanted to be, “Mike Coles batted tremendously but it just wasn’t enough.”

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