WILTSHIRE made the perfect start to their NCCA Trophy Group Four campaign thanks to a three-wicket victory over Buckinghamshire on Monday.

Ed Young’s 75 proved decisive in the game played at Marlborough College, with Arthur Godsal’s 3-48 also paying a significant part in Wiltshire’s win.

Bucks won the toss on their travels and decided to bat first – a decision that appeared smart with the top four having all passed 25 prior to losing their wicket.

But the introduction of Godsal changed the game in the hosts’ favour. Dismissing Ewan Cox for 26 via a good catch from wicket keeper Ben Draper, the right-arm quick later saw a tricky ball pouched by Young to get rid of Teddie Casterton on 27. Godal’s third wicket came just a ball later as he grabbed a catch from his own bowling to remove Ross Richardson for a golden duck.

Young trapped AJ Woodland LBW once he had reached 30, and the dangerous Alexei Kervezee was dispatched on 45 by Chris Aubrey’s bowling and a good take from Jack Mynott.

Only Conner Haddow’s 31 not out truly disrupted Wiltshire’s progress through the remainder of the Bucks middle and lower order, and the away side were bowled out for 240 with four balls of their 50 overs remaining.

Wiltshire began their reply positively with Mynott making an efficient 39 after both openers were bowled early.

At two down, man of the match Young entered the fray and helped Mynott put the hosts in full control.

Despite losing more wickets at regular intervals, Wiltshire kept in touch with their target thanks to 26 not out from Chris Aubrey, who assumed responsibility after Young was dismissed late on.

With the score at 218-7 and needing to score at a run a ball to claim victory, bowling hero Godsal stepped forward.

Eight runs were required from the last two overs, but Godsal had plans of his own. The first ball of the penultimate over was cut majestically for four just behind square while the next ball sailed over long on for six, marking a three-wicket victory with 10 balls to spare.

Wiltshire will hope to cement top spot in the group when they take on Staffordshire at Smethwick CC on Sunday, June 4.