CHESHIRE threw away a golden opportunity to come away from Westbury with victory when poor batting and bowling in the second innings let them down.

After bowling Wiltshire out for a second time Cheshire needed just 198 to win from 41 overs but stumbled to 114 - 8 with the match finishing as a draw.

Only skipper Andrew Hall emerged from the second innings with any credit notching up 47 with the bat.

Wiltshire won the toss, elected to bat and were quickly bowled out for 220 with Charlie Lamb and Robin Fisher taking three wickets each.

In reply, Cheshire looked unsteady on 23-3 but took control of the game thanks to Neil Cross and Richard Hignett who steadied the innings.

As the game moved into the second day Cheshire's grip on the match grew stronger with Simon Rushton and Steve Ogilby weighing in with 106 and 81 respectively to give the side a commanding 134 run lead.

With such an advantage early wickets were always going to be necessary to but the home side under pressure but Cheshire's bowlers faltered and allowed Wiltshire to make a game of it by notching 331.

A second innings score of 198 in 41 overs seemed reachable but hurried batting under intense pressure was Cheshire's undoing.

Chasing the target wickets fell quickly and the visitors were restricted to just 114-8 in their allotted overs.

During the match Simon Renshaw was presented with his county cap, a just reward for his considerable efforts with bat and ball over the past two seasons.