SKIPPER Tom Wallbridge was happy to get the weight of his Burbage & Easton Royal side's shoulders as they claimed their first win in the Glos/Wilts Division.

The league newcomers secured a 52-run victory at Swindon as new overseas signing Luke Woodcock secured a century in his first game for the club.

David Cope (75) kept the New Zealander company at the crease as they combined for a second wicket stand of 100, before Cope was caught lbw.

When Haydon Amor was bowled for a duck by Matthew Kidd, it looked as if the visitors were wobbling but Daniel Swatton (28) steadied the ship to help Burbage home.

After setting Swindon a target of 254 to win, the visitors got off to the best possible start with the ball as they dismissed Marc Williamson for a golden duck and despite Jonathan Sore notching his own century, it was not enough as they fell well short of their goal.

“Obviously, I am delighted to get a first win under our belt in our first season in the league,” said Wallbridge.

“We won the toss on what was probably a damp wicket. I think there had been a lot of wind and rain the days previous.

“It was a good wicket but I think there was a little bit in it for the bowlers to begin with.

“I put us in to bat - not overly sure if that was the right decision but it proved correct when we were about 120 for 1.

“We lost two wickets quickly in the middle when Dave Cope and Haydon Amor got out but Dan Swatton came in and played a good innings to steady the ship at a difficult time.

“We went on and got a good score on the board and at that point, I thought it was a good target because it wasn’t easy to score out there.

“We went out with the ball and put a lot of balls in the right area and just restricted Swindon.

" And eventually, the run rate got to a point where they were behind the eight ball and eventually the wickets started coming because they had to play some shots.”

Former New Zealand international Woodcock, 32, replaced the departing Michael Papps over the summer and has made an immediate impact.

Woodcock, who played alongside Papps at Wellington Firebirds, scored 113 off 123 balls, which proved pivotal in the visitor’s victory.

“It was a massive part of the game for him to go on and score a hundred and he was supported through-out by a few guys,” added Wallbridge, who has turned his attention to this weekend’s game with county rivals Biddestone at the Red Lion Field.

“He just looks a quality batsman and it meant a lot to him as well - he was quite enthused when he got his hundred.

“Going forward, it is a bit of a weight off our shoulders. We can go forward with a bit more confidence and hopefully we will see better performances.

“I know full well that Biddestone are a good side. Every side this year are going to be a good side, so we are going to have to keep performing well and who knows where that will take us.”