Cricket: Captain Carl Clarke was left cursing a trio of missed opportunities which led to Warminster’s demise as they slumped to their fourth successive defeat on Saturday.

Having asked Cheltenham to bat, the home side dropped dangerous opener Grant Hodnett three times in as many balls while he was on a single-figure score.

The South African batsman, contracted to Gloucestershire, then went on to make a stunning 185 not out from 153 balls to leave Clarke wondering what could have been.

“It’s another county player who has done the damage to us,” he said.

“But we dropped him three balls in a row. Once off Christian Hanna and then two off John Powell. One was difficult, one was a decent chance and the other was fairly routine.

“The other batsmen didn’t have to do anything once he got going. They didn’t try to play but just held an end up and watched him.

“We can’t expect to drop a player of that quality three times though and not expect to get punished for it.”

Clarke had returned early from an ankle injury to play in the game and, after his side were reduced to 3-2, did his best to emulate Hodnett’s efforts.

After putting on 87 with Hanna, the skipper also made 52 with Gary Slade but fell for a finely-crafted 83 and was unable to see his side home.

“It was a nice, flat deck with the ball coming on and I thought we could chase their total,” said Clarke.

“When I was still there with 15 overs left, with less than 100 needed and four or five wickets in hand then you’re in a good position. However after I got out we collapsed.

“We didn’t have to take as many risks as we did when only needing five an over. There was good bowling from them, stump to stump, but it was generally poor batting.”

Warminster, who face fellow strugglers Bristol West Indians on Saturday, are still yet to taste victory this season but Clarke feels there are still plenty of positives, although he may be forced to miss the crucial clash.

“We’re yet to play a team who I don’t think we could have beaten,” he insisted.

“We need to win the next couple of games for the spirit in the side and also to move up the league.

“My ankle is very sore and I probably shouldn’t have come back as early as I did.

“I didn’t bowl but I played a big innings which probably didn’t help. It’s still painful now so I’d have to say I’m doubtful for next week.”