CRICKET: Bedbrook says Wiltshire look good ahead of new season

9:11am Thursday 24th April 2008

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WILTSHIRE captain Richard Bedbrook insists his team are shaping up well ahead of the new minor counties season, despite Sunday's nine-run defeat to rivals Berkshire in the Marlborough Cup.

The Moonrakers host Cornwall in their first MCCA Knockout Trophy match at Devizes on Sunday and Bedbrook, pictured, is eyeing the ultimate prize of a trip to Lord's.

Wiltshire may have lost their two pre-season friendlies, to west of England Premier Division side Corsham and Berkshire, but Bedbrook believes the foundations have been laid for a good season.

He said: "There were plenty of positives to take from Sunday even though we lost.

"I thought we bowled and fielded reasonably well, and even though we came up just short with the bat, all the batsmen looked comfortable out there.

"We're back at Devizes this weekend so we have the advantage of knowing what the track is like and what approach to take.

"We've got a young side again this year and the boys are determined to get back to Lord's. We just have to match that determination with some solid performances."

Put in to bat on Sunday Berkshire totalled 239-9, Mitchell Stokes top-scoring with 97. For Wiltshire, Damian Shirazi took 4 for 28.

In reply, Wiltshire were always in the game but lost wickets at vital times with five batsmen reaching 20 but none going on to score 50.

Damian Shirazi hit 47, Jayden Levitt 35, Roger Sillence 23, Michael Coles 30 and James Hibberd 34.

Wiltshire closed on 230-8, as they failed to defend the trophy they won at Henley on Thames in 2007.