WILTSHIRE were within 53 runs of their first Unicorns Championship Western Division victory of the season at stumps on day two of their clash against Wales at Pontarddulais yesterday.

The visitors had five wickets remaining after being set 265 to win by the home side, who were dismissed for 341 in their second innings

Chris Matthews 73, Joe Voke 67, Omar Malik 63 and Mujahid Ilyas 52 led the Wales scoring, Matthews and Ilyas adding 82 for Wales’ seventh wicket while Luke Evans took 4-76.

Wiltshire started their run chase well, openers Jack Haines and Uzi Qureshi putting on 77 for the first wicket as laid the foundation for the chase with 86 from 64 balls – his maiden Minor Counties Championship half century in only his second match.

Skipper Ed Young weighed in with 47 from 44 balls before he fell just before the close, leaving Bradley Dawson and player-coach Tom Morton at the crease, with play set to resume at 11am this morning.