By Bill Meredith - Electronic Telegraph

WILTSHIRE have not been champions of the Daily Telegraph Channel League for a quarter of a century; now all that could change under captain Neil Garfoot. Their recent 9-6 win over Gwent at The Wiltshire leaves them unbeaten and top of the table.

One of the keys to their success this season has been the form of Jon Brien, who was brought up in the Broome Manor junior section which produced David Howell and Gary Harris some years ago.

Brien, now in his mid-20s and playing the best golf of his career, collected full points against Gwent, teaming up with Albert Mutch for a foursomes win and then seeing off Barry Templeton by 6 & 5 in the singles.

The key match for Wiltshire will be against Devon next month. Devon kept up their challenge with an 11-4 victory over Somerset at Saunton, where Damion Gee, who has just finished a university degree course in America, proved his worth with two fine victories.

After a couple of draws, Gloucestershire chalked up their first win of the season, 101/2-21/2 against Glamorgan at Bristol & Clifton. Mark Sanders, the former English Amateur champion, collected full points.