CLACKMANNAN CCC continued their disappointing start to their maiden Championship season with a fourth successive defeat at home to Marchmont.

Batting first for the first time this year, Clacks found themselves 39-4 in the 12th over when battling opener Beckett finally fell for 23.

Some fine bowling from Bevan (2-37) and Bangar (5-19) put Clacks under real pressure, but an impressive 54 from Ally Band (which included 4 sixes) suggested that their final total of 106 all out from 27 overs would not be competitive.

Marchmont began strongly in reply, moving to 34 without loss from the first seven overs. Clacks opening pair Hefer (2-40) and Ashraf (2-23) bowled 17 consecutive overs in a bid to restrict the Edinburgh team, but the Clacks target was chased down for a five wicket win with 25 overs to spare.

Opener Bruell top scored for Marchmont with 31.

Clacks will continue their search for a first Championship win this Saturday, June 19, away to Morton in Galashiels.

Elsewhere, Clackmannan County 2XI (167-6) beat Watsonians 4XI (163-4) by four wickets with an unbeaten 45 from Arshad.

They will face Division 7 leaders Edinburgh South 2XI on Saturday at The Arns.