UNDER-13 cricketers from Marlborough, Avebury, and Wilcot helped Wessex Warriors beat Swindon by four wickets in a thrilling County Cup final.

The Warriors triumphed with two balls remaining in a tense finale at Swindon’s County Ground to lift the trophy and set up a clash with the winners of the Dorset competition, Poole Town.

With four runs needed off the final three balls, Wessex batsman Garbett hit the ball past the mid-on fielder and, along with fellow batsmen King, they scampered the four runs required.

Swindon were indebted to captain Hobson and Jordan as the openers both retired on 30 not out, with 21 runs coming off one King over.

It was an excellent start from Swindon after being put into bat by Wessex, with 71 runs scored off the first 11 overs. But Swindon failed to build on that early momentum as accurate bowling from the visitors restricted them to 100 off their 20 overs.

Wessex openers Miller and Collister produced a steady start in reply to Swindon’s 100-4 but were both caught looking to increase the run rate. Selby, Bayly, and Weston all contributed 16 runs and gave the innings renewed impetus.

It was then over to Garbutt and King as a mature and composed display saw the Warriors chase down three figures for the first time in the competition.