CAPTAIN Lee Ward is hoping Chippenham’s victory over county rivals Warminster last weekend will be the catalyst that kick-starts his side’s season.

Chippenham’s three-wicket triumph at Hardenhuish was their first win of the season after two defeats and three cancellations and Ward is looking for his men to make up for lost time.

The Chippenham skipper was also delighted with the performances of youngsters Tom Young and Billy Cookson, who guided the hosts to victory with the bat.

“It was nice to get our first win – we’ve had three games called off and it was frustrating when we didn’t get a game in last weekend, whilst all of the other teams did,” said Ward.

“We were close to winning the other two matches that we lost and hopefully this can kick-start our season.

“Our bowling has been strong but having Richard Bates and Trevor Lloyd back helped and then the youngsters did well with the bat – I was really happy with the maturity shown by Tom Young and Billy Cookson after we lost some early wickets and their partnership got us over the line.”

Chippenham put their opponents in to bat first after winning the toss and Trevor Lloyd piled on the pressure, taking 3-12.

Warminster’s Pete Hickerton (45) and Desmond Kruger (35) found their range but the visitors were skittled for 136 after 44 overs, with Richard Bates and George Reed taking two wickets apiece.

Chippenham’s first two wickets fell for just six runs but Young (39) steadied the ship, with Cookson’s knock of 52 helping the hosts reach 138-7 in little over 35 overs.

Meanwhile, Biddestone got back to winning ways with a 57-run victory over Westbury.

Dwaine Perry hit 73 for hosts Biddestone, who batted first after winning the toss, whilst captain Jamie Mitchell added 27.

The home side posted 181-8 before Naeem Khan put the squeeze on county rivals Westbury, taking 4-25.

Ben Whiting’s 30 was the visitors’ highest total as Perry and Stuart Kingwell both claimed two further wickets apiece, with Westbury all out for 124 midway through the 45th over.

  • CHIPPENHAM beat Potterne in Sunday’s regional clashes in the ECB National T20 but were subsequently defeated by Premier One Bath, who progressed through to the next round.

FOR MORE SPORTS NEWS, REPORTS & PICTURES SEE THURSDAY'S GAZETTE & HERALD AND FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @gazsport