WILTSHIRE men made a brilliant start to their 2019-20 inter-county championship campaign for the Liberty Trophy, writes DAVE EATON.

They thrashed neighbours Gloucestershire 150-82 in their first-round tie at Swindon Westlecot.

Wiltshire dominated throughout, leading 34-24 after five ends and 84-45 at 10. They increased the advantage to 112-69 after 15 ends and were 134-82 ahead at 18.

Visitors Gloucestershire conceded shortly afterwards, with none of the six matches going the full distance to 21 ends.

Wiltshire took the honours on all six rinks, with the Five Rivers (Salisbury) quartet of Jordan Moody, Terry Walton, Jamie Reynolds and skip Tom Warner leading the charge after coming from 6-5 down at five ends to win 37-10 after 19 ends.

Next best was the rink of Kevin Embling (Westlecot), Darren Anteney (North Wilts), Craig Hatherall and skip Andy Moore (North Wilts), who won their game 27-13.

There were also wins for the rinks skipped by Kyle Anderson (22-11), Mike Titcombe (23-15), Peter Ward (20-14) and player-manager Neil Smith (21-19).

Wiltshire have been drawn against Somerset in the last 16 of the Liberty Trophy on December 14 at City & County IBC (Bristol).

Several of the Somerset team play their indoor bowls at Clarrie Dunbar, just over the border at Standerwick.

WILTSHIRE ladies received a bye in round one of the Atherley Trophy inter-county championship and face Dorset away in round two on December 14.