SWINDON skipper Andy Staff conceded there was simply nothing his side could do as Warminster plundered the runs to inflict a crushing defeat on Saturday.

Opener Ankit Shastri led the charge with an unbeaten 169 and alongside Desmond Kruger (120) shared a third-wicket stand of 248 to set up a 280-run success.

The pair’s peerless form saw the home side rack up 373-4 and although Will Nichols did pick up two wickets for Swindon, the fact his figures of 2-61 were the best of the attack showed just how difficult it was for the visitors.

Swindon were skittled for just 93 in 23.2 overs to complete a chastening day.

“It was a tough day at the office,” admitted skipper Staff, whose side dropped from fourth to seventh with the defeat. “It was as really flat wicket and we’d have liked to have batted first but we lost the toss, so I guess I have to take the blame there.

“We actually bowled a lot better than we did last week and had them at 70-2 but they had their overseas player, Shastri, at the crease and he is the league’s top scorer. He was joined by Kruger, who was their overseas player last year, and they both got themselves in.

“When you are bowling at two very good overseas batsmen who are in form you are going to struggle. We did everything we could but they just batted really well and it was two chanceless centuries. It was just one of those days.”

Swindon openers Marc Williamson (26) and Paul Paginton (28) started swiftly but once they fell the wheels soon fell off.

The final six wickets fell for just 22 runs as they collapsed for less than 100, with Nichols the only other batsmen to reach double figures as John took 5-22.

Skipper Staff added: “When we went out there we thought we would have a bit of a go at it and we hit about 55 off something like the first six overs but when you bat like that you are always going to lose wickets.''