PURTON captain Aaron Lee looks back at his side’s narrow defeat to title rivals Marlborough as a missed opportunity.

Lee’s men came agonisingly close to victory but fell three runs short of the 155 total that was set by the visitors.

Despite losing the toss and being forced into the field, the home side made a good start in sweltering heat.

Thanks to four wickets from the skipper and a catch from Tom Bowler, Marlborough were reeling at 22-5 and despite being 74-7 at one stage, they were eventually dismissed in the 41st over after some late impetus from Arran Dickinson (36), Will Langton (28) and Paul Smith (37).

That left Purton an achievable target but they too were in trouble early, being reduced to 32-4 as Will Langton took 3-13.

Elliot Hill (41), Adam Woolford (25) and Lee’s unbeaten 33 nudged them towards their goal, but the last wicket fell with them stranded on 152.

“We got off to a really good start - I think Marlborough were 22-5, that is a fantastic start especially as they won the toss it was a pretty hot day,’’ said Lee.

“The new ball did quite a bit, we managed to get some early wickets which we have struggled with for most of the season really.

“We were disappointed. We would’ve taken all out for 155 before the game and we were more than confident we could chase it.

“We let them get away from us a little in the middle overs. They should never of got to 155 we should have restricted them.

“It just wasn’t to be I guess, it’s a real pain they’re one of the sides that are up there us challenging for the title, it was a real good chance to cement ourselves at the top end of the table.

“It’s a real missed opportunity more than anything, the lads know that and they are really disappointed as well.”