OVERSEAS ace Sahan Wijeratne says that when he first joined Potterne two summers ago, he knew that he had become a part of a side destined to rise up the ranks of the West of England Premier League.

The 30-year-old Sri Lankan first linked up with Potterne in 2013, with the villagers then plying their trade in Glos/Wilts Division, but following Saturday’s thumping win over Cheltenham, Wijeratne’s side have secured a place in Premier One next season – their second promotion in three years.

Vice-captain Wijeratne, who also plays first-class cricket for Chilaw Marians in Sri Lanka, was part of a Potterne side that thrashed Cheltenham by 205 runs to seal the Premier Two title with a game to spare at the weekend and was delighted to help the villagers realise their potential.

“This is my third season with Potterne and last year, we were fighting for second place but we wanted to be the champions this year,” said Wijeratne.

“From the first day I joined Potterne, I always believed that this club would one day be in Premier One.

“It’s a village club but there are some really talented players. There are four or five players that play for Wiltshire and there are even more talented players than some of the big town clubs.

“The club is on the right track with the young players coming in to the seniors and when you are on the right track, you get results.”