MARLBOROUGH skipper George Fox was left praising batsman Fraser Gordon for his pivotal contribution in their win over Great Bedwyn.

The Marlborough opener was steady in his innings as he made 48 from 115 deliveries before being run out just shy of his half century.

But, despite failing to reach the landmark figure, his second wicket stand of 85 with Zwelibanzi Homani (50) provided the perfect foundation for the visitors to chase down a target of 195.

It got tight towards the end but Fox was able to drag his side over the line with an unbeaten knock of 24 to claim the win with nine balls to spare.

“It was a good local derby that was fought in a really good spirit,” said Fox.

“It was a game that got taken right to the end and we won because we were able to take early wickets up front and prevent any significant partnerships.

“We did bowl quite loosely in the middle overs and I think, if we had an all-out excellent bowling performance, we would have knocked them down for 150.

“Batting, Fraser Gordon made himself the backbone of the innings.

“Although he only scored 48 off 115 balls, he did what every captain loves and stayed there as our anchorman.

“It meant others could go and express themselves around him.

“It was a bit tight towards the end but I went in and knocked the ball around.”

The victory was only Marlborough’s second of the season in WEPL Wiltshire and while Fox admits his side are lacking confidence with the bat in hand, he is hopeful the win will spark some momentum in the team but knows that could easily be thwarted if they don’t perform well against Devizes, who sit one place above them in the league, this weekend.

“Marlborough is on a learning curve at the moment,” he added.

“We’re learning to build partnerships and the more partnerships we build, the better we will play in games.

“I hope we can build on that win this coming weekend.

“I know that Devizes have been playing some really good cricket this season and have been winning some good games.

“Marlborough haven’t and it puts them as the favourites.”

Elsewhere, Marshfield got the better of Devizes by just two runs, Suffan Hassan scoring 52 of their 236-7, then taking three wickets as, despite 66 from David Bromley, Devizes ended on 234-8.

Royal Wootton Bassett swept to a seven-wicket home win over Calne.

Mark Thatcher led the Bassett charge as he took 3-23 as Calne were dismissed for 168.

Jared McDonald hit 61 and Jack Twine 59 in the winning reply.