SWINDON bowed out of the ECB National Indoor competition as they lost out to Exeter University in the regional final.

With the prize of a place at the National Finals day at Lord's at stake, a strong Exeter bowling unit made an early impact picking up Jake Goodwin in the second over for one.

A flurry of late boundaries swelled the score before Alex Kill was finally dismissed for 47 off the penultimate ball of the innings, leaving Swindon to defend 71.

Kill was on hand to enable a run out and then clean-bowled Exeter’s number three with a swinging delivery.

Swindon’s bowlers continued to show great control of the ball to squeeze the opposition and were well in the game following the run out of Exeter’s free-scoring Marston for 15.

With four overs to go Exeter still required a run ball to get home but inspired bowling and fielding by Chris Aubrey took the game to the penultimate ball before a brave paddle sweep saw Exeter University to victory.

Swindon, led by Liam Tucker, had overcome Truro in the regional semi-final, Kill making an immediate impact by picking up a wicket in the first over.

Well-controlled swing bowling, variable bounce and tight fielding meant Truro finished 74-3 with both Kill and Daniel Harris picking up run outs.

Swindon started their chase steadily with both Kill and Goodwin picking up a flurry of threes.

Truro fought back by running out Kill (17) but Swindon fought to victory with two overs to spare.

Swindon will now direct their focus on the Swindon Indoor Cricket Leagues Cup semi final on Easter Sunday, closely followed by the start of the outdoor season in early April.