BURBAGE & Easton Royal captain Tom Wallbridge says his side are reflecting on a season to remember, despite missing out on the title by a whisker.

Wallbridge’s side gave themselves a chance of finishing top by demolishing Devizes by 155 runs last weekend – but rivals Swindon held their nerve against Marlborough, securing the title and promotion to the Glos/Wilts Division.

Burbage finished just nine points behind, Michael Papps hitting 340 more runs than any other player in the West of England Premier League this summer while Darran Freegard topped the wicket-taking stakes with 46.

“We knew that Swindon would have a tough time winning at Marlborough but we were pretty resigned to the fact that they were going to do it,” said Wallbridge.

“We’ve had a great season and we should be pretty happy with only losing two games. Swindon only lost one so fair play to them – they deserve to win the league.

“We shouldn’t be too downhearted because we’ve done really well this summer and the club has come on a lot in all aspects.

“We’re a much better side than we were at the start of the season and hopefully we can take that on next year.”

Former New Zealand international Papps smacked six sixes and 22 fours on his way to a stunning 159 from 133 deliveries.

Daniel Wootton chipped in with an unbeaten 55 and Sourish Mukherjee added 47 as Burbage posted 287-4.

James Langan (59) offered up resistance for Devizes but Freegard (3-26), Adam Lavis (3-27), Wallbridge (2-19) and Nicholas Cook (2-34) dismissed them for 132 in the 31st over.

Ardil Domingo hit an unbeaten 121 in Swindon’s 262-3 against Marlborough.

Bob Homani made 67 but Tom Norris’ side were out for 150 in 45 overs, with Domingo (3-12) the pick of the bowlers.

“The best team won the league and we can be proud of our season with such a young side. Hopefully next season we can be challenging,” said Norris.

Rob Palmer hit 90 and took 3-13 as Great Bedwyn secured fifth-place with a 31-run victory over Calne while Marshfield beat Winsley by 89 runs.

Russell Lodge hit an unbeaten 84 for the hosts and Matt Watson 70, with William Johnson taking four wickets.

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