GREAT Bedwyn completed the great escape as they secured their place in the Wiltshire Division on the last game of the season with a 21-run win over Westbury.

Sitting second from bottom going into the final day and facing second placed Westbury the odds were stacked against the hosts.

When John Palmer’s side then opened the batting with a total of 116 all out in under 36 overs, Bedwyn looked in a precarious position.

However, a fine bowling display with best figures of 4-18 from Chris Blundy and Max Andrews and Richard Bosson, both taking three wickets a-piece, having already contributed with a 36-run partnership with the bat, saw the visitors skittled for 95.

Joe Blundy’s catch to dismiss Nick Whiting sparked rapturous scenes at Frog Lane.

“Everyone got very excited when that final wicket went down and it was a case of running around and not really knowing what to do,” said Palmer.

“We were obviously disappointed with the way we batted, but a couple of people, Rich Bosson and Max Andrews, did well to get us up to a score.

“With the bowling it was just a case of taking our chances when they came and we didn’t drop anything.

“All the bowlers performed really well and it was the performance we were looking for all season and we managed to pull it out of the bag.

“One catch springs to mind from Tom Lauder, who was at extra cover for our eighth wicket, and he seemed to be horizontal for a about three metres as he dived to the left.

“I have enjoyed being able to play with all the people I have captained this season and to know we have done something that was pretty unexpected on that last game is something that I am very proud of.”

Meanwhile, Malmesbury completed an eight-run win over Marlborough to also secure their place in the division.

Despite only setting a target of 99, with seven players failing to make a score, Marlborough fell short of the target at they were bowled out for 90 in under 28 overs.

Marshfield also recorded a final day win with a 106-run success at home to Purton, courtesy of Jeremy Bond’s 94.

Devizes fell to an eight wicket defeat at the hands of division winners Trowbridge, while Calne a condemned Winsley to life in Wiltshire League Division Two, with a 146-run success.