LEE Ward highlighted the importance of claiming bonus points after his side dropped off the top of the Glos/Wilts Division, despite a comfortable win over Apperley.

Chippenham romped to victory at the league’s winless basement boys, but were unable to bowl Apperely out and a subsequent two-point swing saw them leapfrogged by Rockhampton.

“I think it shows just how tight the league is. We were a point ahead of Rockhampton at the top and Warminster were a point behind them,” said Chippenham captain Ward.

“It shows just how important it is to get as many bonus points if we want to win the league.

“But we’re not getting too far ahead of ourselves and we’re just taking every game as it comes. Last week, Darryl (Losper) got a century and this week, Brad hit 78, so we’re getting good performances from everyone.”

Chippenham batted first and were spearheaded by Brad Dawson’s knock of 78, whilst Tom Young (38) and Billy Cookson (35) also contributed as they posted 285-8.

Luke Smith (61) top-scored for Apperley, as Young (3-48) turned the screw, with Dawson and Denson Narayan also claiming a pair of wickets apiece to restrict their hosts to 212-9.

Elsewhere, Burbage & Easton Royal hammered Swindon by eight wickets.

The visitors batted first, after winning the toss, but only Liam Tucker (49*) and Jon Sore (43) made any headway as they were skittled for 151 in the final over of their innings.

Jon Chandler then led the way for Burbage with an unbeaten 68, supported by David Cope (23) and Sourish Mukherjee (33*) as the hosts reached 155-2 in the 34th over.

Biddestone also tasted victory, beating Tekwesbury by 78 runs.

Dwaine Perry (87), Stuart Kingwell (60*), Dominic Hendricks (58) and Rhys Merriman (53) all contributed to Biddestone’s fearsome 305-5, before Subash Theiventhirarajah (4-41) restricted Tewkesbury to 227-9.