WILTSHIRE slumped to a 78-run defeat against Devon in their opening Unicorns T20 Group Three match as their batsmen failed to fire at Exmouth CC.

Winning the toss and putting in their hosts, the visitors’ hopes were stung as openers Robert Woodman and Alexander Allen put on 116 for the opening Devon wicket.

Skipper Woodman hit 97 in 52 balls, including eight fours and six sixes, while Allen added 35 from 28.

Wiltshire’s bowlers struggled as Liam Lewis added 22 from 11 balls and Matthew Thompson an unbeaten 22 in their side’s 207-5.

Ed Young took 2-36 from four overs and there were wickets apiece for Andy Carroll, Tom Foley and Ashur Morrison.

The away side lost openers Steve Bullen and Ed Kilbee cheaply at the start of the reply before wicketkeeper Michael Bates (29) and skipper-for-the-day Young (22) steadied the ship.

But wickets kept falling regularly, Morrison falling for a golden duck as Matt Golding (3-28) made inroads.

Carroll added a late flourish with 37 from 14 balls, including five sixes, but Wiltshire were nowhere near their target when number 11 Joe King fell for one with the score on 129.

Zac Bess, Ben Green and Charlie Miles each ended with two wickets apiece for the home side.

Wiltshire begin the defence of their Minor Counties Championship Western Division title with a three-day match against Dorset at Dean Park, Bournemouth from Sunday with play starting at 11am each day.