BEN Head’s devastating spin-bowling display to cull Calne last weekend sent Marlborough to the top of the Wiltshire Division.

Arran Dickinson’s men claimed a comfortable 183-run victory at Savernake Forest, inspired by Head’s decisive five-wicket haul.

Marlborough now sit four points ahead of Trowbridge and captain Dickinson was left purring after a comprehensive display from his troops.

“It’s been another great all round team performance, which was built around some good individual performances,” said Dickinson.

“The bowlers all responded well to the absence of George Fox and we always knew we had Ben (Head) up our sleeves.

“I’m also very pleased for Will (Thomas) for getting a half-century on debut, which I know is well-deserved for all the hard work he has put in since arriving at the club.

“Going top this weekend is an added bonus but again is something I think we fully deserve based on our recent performances.”

Dan Knight’s Calne won the toss and opted to field first and they made early inroads as Joseph Clare accounted for Marlborough’s openers for just 39 runs.

The hosts were struggling to get going on 83-4 but Will Thomas came in to hit 50 before skipper Dickinson made 88.

Clare finished with figures of 5-51 as Marlborough posted 261-8 but Head soon had Calne in a spin.

Wickets fell at regular intervals as Head went to work whilst Bradley Frost (2-8) and David West (2-17) also contributed.

James Watson (25) offered up the most resistance as Calne were dismissed for 78 in just 23 overs, Head finishing with 5-17.

Elsewhere, Marshfield captain James Williams top-scored in his side’s 83-run win at home to Trowbridge.

Williams (87) and Jeremy Bond (77) led the way as the hosts reached 272 before they were dismissed in the final over of their innings and William Pascall then stuck a spanner in Trowbridge’s works as he claimed five wickets.

The visitors were skittled for 189 in the 43rd over.

Devizes beat Purton by five wickets, with John Dunford taking 3-24 as the visitors were dismissed for 187 with less than an over to go.

Tom Grant then led the charge with a knock of 68 whilst Tom Pike hit 40 as hosts Devizes reached 189-5 in the 45th over.

Great Bedwyn also tasted victory at home last weekend thanks to their four-wicket win over Winsley.

The visitors batted first after winning the toss, with Simon Norris (44) and Charlie Holton (36) at the fore of their efforts but Robert Palmer (4-37), Richard Bosson (3-30) and Max Andrews (3-16) turned the screw.

Winsley were skittled for 184 midway through the 48th over before Bedwyn smoothly reached their target.

Palmer hit 29 whilst Chris Blundy made 34 and the visitors’ bowling, which chalked up 37 extras, also contributed to Bedwyn’s victory as they reached 188-6 in the 40th over.

Malmesbury were dismissed for a lowly 61 at Westbury before their opponents cruised to 67-1 in little more than 10 overs.