Bashley 2s are still waiting for their first win of the 2016 campaign after falling to a disappointing 56-run defeat to Trojans.

Trojans skipper Ed Boyd continued his rich early season form, making a patient 77 from 130 balls to underpin his side’s 234-4 total. He was ably supported by Simon Williams (33) in an opening stand of 72, and then Ed Pope (25). Bashley’s spinners did a fine containing role, with Ross Grierson (1-32 from 10) the most economical again. New signing Ryan Macciocchi impressed with his clever variations, but Trojans’ fifth-wicket pair of Nigel Le Bas (41*) and James Truscott (28*) put on an unbroken 66 at more than a run a ball in the final few overs.

Bashley reply got off to the worse possible start, losing both openers with just 26 on the board. That soon became 31-3 when Callum Maher became Jamie Donaldson’s first victim. Donaldson (3-26) ripped through the middle order, including captain Phil Morris (23) as Bash lurched to 66-6. Old timer Neil Taylor (70*) then provided the young members of the team with a masterclass of how to pace an innings. Starting cautiously before unleashing shots all over the wicket, Taylor pushed the Bashley total passed 175 and another much-needed bonus point with late support from Jake Lilley (12) and Grierson (21).

Bashley travel to Paultons next Saturday in a crunch early season clash, desperate to get their account up and running.