HOSTS Wiltshire made a winning start to South West Week as they defeated Devon 7.5-6.5 in the inter-county championship at Cumberwell Park Golf Club in Bradford on Avon today.

Wiltshire, captained by Cumberwell's Ali James, edged a tight morning singles session 4.5-3.5 as all eight matches went to the 18th hole.

Wins by James, Garry Slade (Bowood), Joe Retford (Cumberwell Park) and county champion Tom Law (Broome Manor) handed the home side the advantage, despite defeats for Cumberwell's James Cooper, Kingsdown's Paul McMullen, while Wrag Barn's Max Drayton halved.

The afternoon foursomes session was shared 3-3 Retford and Salisbury & South Wilts' Tom Stagg and Drayton and Law clinching wins.

Wiltshire play Dorset on Monday.