OPENER Mohamed Cook scored a blistering century to help Purton get back to winning ways in WEPL Wiltshire after three defeats in a row.

Cook put the Marlborough bowling attack to the sword, scoring 120 to set up a 72-run victory for Aaron Lee’s side.

Tom Bowler (44) offered good support as the visitors posted 227-6 off 42 overs, with Mohan Balusu leading the Marlborough attack.

Rain reduced the Marlborough innings to 33 overs but they stood little chance of victory after Purton captain Lee took two wickets in the first over and they were only on 154-7 at the close of play.

Lee said: “Mohamed batted brilliantly. It was as great knock. It was only his third game for us and we knew the runs were coming.

“We haven’t batted well in recently weeks so we were really pleased to get to 227. The final batting bonus point is 225 and we didn’t think we were going to get there, so we were delighted to squeak over the line.

“I managed to get two wickets in the first over of the second innings so was on a hat-trick but didn’t manage to get any more. Tom Bowler and Sam Watt got two each too, so the wickets were shared around.

“The second innings was a bit of a bit flat because of the weather but we’re pleased to get the win.”

Elsewhere, Royal Wootton Bassett bounced back from their first defeat of the season seven days earlier to triumph at home to Calne.

Akash Sharma (4-31) and Sam Lawro (3-14) helped skittle the visitors out for just 73 in 24 overs and although Bassett’s top three all fell cheaply in reply, Darren Beasant’s side eased over the winning line inside 22 overs for a seven-wicket success to stay second in the table.

Swindon made it back-to-back victories after a thumping 125-run win at Corsham 2nd.

The hosts won the toss and elected to field but Swindon shone with the bat, so much so that they felt confident enough to declare after 39 of their 50 overs.

San Parker (67) and Chris Aubrey (50) both made telling contributions as the visitors posted 227-6.

Swindon then matched those efforts with the ball to bowl Calne out for 98 in the 29th over of their reply, with Adam Tucker (4-18) and Conor Taylor (3-27) leading the attack.

Finally, Lechlade claimed their first victory of 2018 in Premier Two Glos/Wilts, although remain at the foot of the table.

Benny Ellis’ men travelled to Trowbridge and bowled their hosts out for 144 before claiming a four-wicket win.

Simon Taylor and Kiran Chakraborty both picked up three wickets before Brad Dial (53 not out) and Max Mortimer (39 not out) guided the Lechalde reply to a winning 145-4 in 33 overs.