HEREFORDSHIRE gave a much improved display in the second match of their Middleton Cup section when they entertained Wiltshire at St Martin’s although defeated by 148 shots to 101.

Although Herefordshire lost five of the six rinks and finished level on the sixth, three of the defeated rinks kept their opponents’ winning margins to single figures.

Luke Harwood’s rink played well with Connor Diggins and Tom Churchill in fine form at the front and Mike Holmes giving excellent support at third to finish level at 20-20.

The rink skipped by Phil Middleton were opposed to English International skip Graham Shadwell’s rink but were never overawed and unfortunate to lose 19-18, while Mike Ricketts rink also played well before going down 23-18.

Martin Griffiths’ rink were opposed to a strong visiting rink and did well to hold them to seven shots, going down 20-13. Ron Bithell’s rink were down 21-8 after 14 ends, but although they scored eight shots in the remaining ends, Wiltshire also scored eight to win 29-16.

The heaviest defeat was sustained by Sean Jones' rink. After leading 7-5 after six ends, they lost 20 shots in the next seven ends and could not make up the deficit, losing by 37-16.

l HEREFORDSHIRE Ladies gained a fine win when they hosted Worcestershire Ladies at Leominster BC.

A positive start saw Herefordshire six shots ahead on the 10th end.

Due to bad weather conditions, the game was abandoned after the 13th end with Herefordshire winning by 83 – 66. The winning rink was skipped by Tracy Powell (Leominster) and also included Jenny Cole (Brimfield), Linda Smith (Leominster) and Val Pedlingham (Eastnor)