A BATTLING 78 from Cornwall captain Matthew Robins and an unbeaten 66 from Greg Smith saw Wiltshire fall to a second defeat of the Unicorns Championship season yesterday.

With the scores level after two rain-affected days, the teams faced a final day decider at Corsham but it was the visitors who came out on top by four wickets to leave Wiltshire still in search of their first Championship win of the summer.

After Cornwall declared their first innings on 276-9 overnight on Monday – exactly the same score as Wiltshire had reached – the home side set about building a sizeable lead in quick time at Station Road.

However, fine bowling from James Turpin (3-45) held them back and Wiltshire appeared in disarray at 46-4.

Skipper Michael Coles, in his last game before retiring from the three-day side, came to the crease and swiftly pushed his side along before falling to Andrew Libby (3-78) for 61 to leave his side at 152-6.

Patrick Greishaber (41) and Tahir Afridi (54) carried on where the captain left off and Wiltshire were eventually able to get up to 244 before they were bowled out in the 61st over.

With plenty of time still left in the game, Cornwall captain Robins set about his task with determination and although no partner was able to stick with him for long initially, the visitors were well set when he departed, leaving the score at 119-4.

Smith took on the baton and received good support from Paul Smith (30) and Turpin (37) to see his side over the winning line in the 52nd over of their reply, with Cornwall finishing on 248-6.

The defeat leaves Wiltshire second from bottom in the Western Division table. They have no game this weekend and are next in action when they travel to Devon from Sunday, July 3.