NEWLY-PROMOTED to Southern Premier League Division 2 this summer, South Wilts lost their opening pre-season match by 17 runs to a powerful Henley II at Bemerton.

An even contest throughout saw Henley post a competitive 194-6 from their 40 overs, with Euan Brock’s 80 off 87 balls leading the way.

Matt Burton 2-29 and Marc Burton 2-31 with the wickets for the hosts in what skipper Tom Pearce described as “a positive display” from all seven bowlers used.

South Wilts started quickly, bringing up the 50 inside eight overs.

However, wickets fell in clusters, Tom Cowley (45) being the first.

But when Pearce himself fell for 31, it left South Wilts 145-7 with only seven overs left.

The hosts ultimately came up 17 runs short at stumps.

WILTSHIRE commence their competitive matches with their first group clash in the Unicorns Knock Out Trophy against Hertfordshire at Warminster on Sunday (11am).