WILTSHIRE lost out to Somerset in their opening Inter-County team matchplay fixture at South West Week at Royal Devon GC yesterday.

Pete Bicknell's side were defeated 8.25-5.75 in the first of their five matches taking place this week.

Wiltshire, the national champion county in 2011 and 2012, narrowly fell behind after the morning singles, with Garry Slade (Bowood), Henry Pallas (Hamptworth) and Jack Charman (North Wilts) claiming victories as they lost out 4.5-3.5.

Pallas and Charman managed the only victory in the afternoon foursomes, Ben Amor (Marlborough) and Ali James (Cumberwell Park) also securing a half from one of the five matches.

Wiltshire were taking on Dorset today with the matchplay taking a break tomorrow for the South West Amateur Championship and qualifier for the national county finals.

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