CHIPPENHAM are looking forward to taking the step up a tier after securing a second place finish in the Glos/Wilts Division.

With the restructuring of the leagues, Lee Ward’s side will not move out of the division they are in, however, that will now become the second tier in the West of England Premier League rather than the third.

Having almost been relegated the previous season, Chippenham invested in their squad during the winter and were a much more formidable force this campaign.

Ward’s men had already secured a top two finish but, knowing they could not catch league-leaders Rockhampton, their final game with Biddestone had little on it.

After bowling the hosts out for 178, with Brad Dawson (4-33) the pick of the attack, Chippenham were able to chase down the target in little over 42 overs with two wickets to spare.

“Some say it was a bit of a dead-rubber, but a game against your local rivals never is,” said Ward, who was unavailable on Saturday.

“Obviously we set out our stall at the beginning of the season to make sure we secured one of the place that went up to tier two as part of the new restructure.

“We are chuffed that we did that and the difference in the seasons, from just avoiding relegation last year to finishing second, is a huge improvement.

“There is a slight tinge of disappointment, because we did want to win the league.

"But when you look at what we set out to do at the start of the season we achieved that.”

Chippenham, and captain Ward, now turn their attention immediately to next season and hope that they can build on the competitive squad over the close season.

“It was good to finish on a high and I think that gives us the momentum going into the winter and we start to look forward to the new season,” added Ward.

“It is going to be a strong league that new tier two when it gets finalised.

“We have got to keep the squad together and build on that.

“I think the good thing throughout the season is that everybody contributed at one point or another.

“There is good competition for places but we will potentially look to build where we need to, but it will be good to have a few weeks off first.”