TOM Newman scored 94 runs as the Malmesbury middle-order guided them to a 63-run win over Chippenham 2XI. 

After losing the toss and being asked to bat in initially cloudy conditions, Malmesbury made a slow start, but managed to keep wickets in hand, being 52-2 at drinks.

An unfortunate injury to a Chippenham fielder as well as more positive intent from the Malmesbury middle order (Tom Newman 94, Michael Collison 42*), meant Malmesbury ended on 198-7. This was likely slightly above par on a decent wicket but understandably slow outfield.

Malmesbury then started well with the ball picking up three early wickets (Finn Beldon 9-4-33-2) to have the hosts 17-3.

Some aggression from Charlie Slade (31) then threatened to take the momentum back to Chippenham, however Richard Gaunt (9-0-30-2) claimed two wickets to make the score 78-5 and put Malmesbury ahead again.

A steady partnership grew to take the score to 119, before the important wicket of Ollie Rew (55) was taken by Jack Ward (9-2-24-2).

What followed was patient batting from the Chippenham lower order as the game looked beyond them and they attempted to not get bowled out. However, the last wicket was taken in the final over of the innings by Josh Langley (8.1-2-25-2) to ensure a 24-point win for Malmesbury on his captaincy debut.