Marlborough 3rd XI fell to a 49 run defeat in a rain affected encounter at champions elect Swindon Titans. Captain Charlie Jewell won the toss and elected to field in damp conditions with the match reduced to 35 overs per side.

An early chance went a begging as the Titans opener was dropped at slip for 0. After a fruitless opening ten overs Jewell made a double bowling change and it had the desired impact with Chandan Vaishnav and Mohit Jaswal dismissing the Titans openers. Vaishnav and Jaswal were rewarded after bowling a disciplined line and length with only 21 runs scored in eight overs prior to drinks. This gave the “Trees” much needed momentum with Vaishnav continuing it by taking his second and the third Titans wicket to fall.

Stewart Williamson was in on the act shortly afterwards as Marlborough looked to press home the advantage. Unfortunately it didn’t last as sloppy fielding from the “Trees” saw the Titans number four batsman have four lives before eventually being dismissed. Vaishnav was the standout bowler with 7-2-21-2 as the Titans scored 209-6 off their 35 overs.

In reply openers Rohit Gurjar and Steve Jones got Marlborough off to a solid start with 39 runs coming off the first nine overs. A mix up between the two saw Jones run out for 16 with Gurjar (24) and Niloy Saha (2) also soon departing the “Trees” were right on the back foot.

Owen Bate and Aedan Murphy looked to rebuild the innings but with the run rate ever increasing it became a difficult task. Jaswal gave Marlborough some hope with a quick fire cameo 22 off 10 balls but wickets continued to fall. Defeat became inevitable at 140-9 but an important last wicket stand of 20 between Inderjeet Singh and Jewell saw the “Trees” claim another batting point which could be crucial in their fight for relegation.