WILTSHIRE put up a magnificent fight in their latest Minor Counties Championship match against Cheshire at Trowbridge.

After being on the verge of defeat before lunch on the third day, they eventually lost by five wickets with only 11 balls remaining in the match.

Wiltshire won the toss and batted on day one but play was restricted to only 31 overs by rain during which time they reached 81-2.

The second day brought another batting collapse as they were all out for 206 in 81 overs.

Jayden Levitt again dominated the innings, scoring 102 and had a partnership of 85 with Chris Benham (30) for the third wicket after which the remaining batting subsided.

For Cheshire, Richard Logan took 4-68, Adam Syddall 3-76 and Danny Woods 3-23.

By close of the second day Cheshire had reached 344-6 and they continued their innings on the third, declaring at 381-8 in 85 overs.

Lee Dixon scored 109, Chris Tipper 43, Jonny Kettle 51 and Dan Berry 52.

For Wiltshire, Steve Warner took 3-72 and Tahir Afridi 3-114.

Wiltshire started their second innings and were soon in trouble slumping to 91-7 before lunch.

At this stage Ashur Morrison was joined by Paul Robbins - both playing only their second Championship matches.

They proceeded to break the Wiltshire record for an eighth wicket stand (previously 128) as they put on 214 before Robbins was out for 101.

Wiltshire were finally all out for 318 with Morrison not out on 121, Logan taking 4-107 and Syddall 3-86.

Cheshire were set 144 to win in 18 overs which they reached with 11 balls remaining for the loss of five wickets.

Tipper scored 42 and James Duffy 37, Tahir Afridi taking 2-65.

REACTION & PICTURES IN FRIDAY'S WILTSHIRE TIMES