Cricket: Star batsman Giles Lunt took the plaudits after his sparkling knock earned Terry Duffin a win in his first game as Winsley captain.

The number five came to the crease with his side in trouble after the loss of key early wickets in pursuit of a modest total of 138.

He then could only watch from the other end as batsmen continued to come and go around him with Winsley in trouble at 90-6.

However he finally found a meaningful partner in the shape of Andrew Swinburne at eight, and the pair put on a match-winning partnership with Lunt comfortably top-scoring with 54.

“He batted superbly,” said captain Duffin. “It was a very gutsy innings in the circumstances.

“He finished off last season in good form and it’s good to see that’s carried into this one.

“At Winsley we have been known to lose wickets in quick succession but once we managed to get to 100 it was fine from then on.”

Five Marlborough batsmen made double figures but none were able to push on and make the big score demanded by captain Ben Head.

Talented sportsman Rich Holman top-scored with 29 not out but the visitors’ total always looked under-par on a slow but steady wicket.

Andrew Cross starred with the ball for Winsley by taking 3-15 from 7.5 overs.

In reply, however, Marlborough looked like forcing an unlikely victory.

Opening bowlers George Fox and Andrew Cox both made inroads and Head also clean bowled Duffin for just 12.

However with such a small total to chase all Winsley needed was one major partnership, which Lunt and Swinburne were happy to provide.

“It was a good start to the season and I’m quite happy with the performance,” said Duffin.

Winsley travel to Westinghouse on Saturday.