WILTSHIRE finished their group matches in the MCCA Trophy with a two-wicket win against Buckinghamshire at High Wycombe on Sunday.

Winning the toss, Wiltshire asked Buckinghamshire to bat. The home side made a steady start on a good wicket and totalled 273-6 from their 50 overs.

Ricky Hopwood scored 51 and Bobby Sher managed 67 not out. For Wiltshire, Owen Alsop took 2-44 and there was a wicket apiece for Simon Branston, Mitchell Stokes, James Hayward and Michael Coles.

Wiltshire went out looking to score briskly in an effort to overhaul rivals Devon’s superior run-rate and book a place in the quarter-finals.

Openers Mitchell Stokes (38) and Jon Chandler (35) attacked the bowling and put on 85 in the first 10 overs.

Both were out within a matter of moments, however, and when James Hayward was also dismissed, Wiltshire had slumped to 95-3.

Henry Langford (47) and Michael Coles (34) set about repairing the situation but both were out by the time the score had reached 175.

Tom Bowler, pictured, batting at number seven in only his third senior county match, then played an innings of great maturity as he marshalled the remaining batsmen to see Wiltshire home in the 45th over, finishing 65 not out.

News then came through from St Austell that Cornwall and Wales had tied, meaning Devon and Wiltshire, both with six points, were in the two top places in the group.

Wiltshire start their three-day Championship programme against Shropshire at South Wilts Cricket Club, Salisbury on June 6, play beginning at 11am on each day.