MARLBOROUGH celebrated their return to Premier Three of the Gerrard League on Saturday 8 March after thumping title rivals Westbury United Banks 7-2.

The unbeaten home side led their second placed visitors by just a point at the start of play, but raced into an early four-goal lead to end the game as a contest.

Captain Darren Reynolds was a happy man after leading his troops to a resounding win.

He said: "Saturday was a do-or-die game. The winner would take all and it asked a lot of questions of the team. The whole season all came down to 70 minutes in the end, but the manner in which we won was the most pleasing thing from my point of view. All the guys have put in the commitment and effort this season and I was pleased to see their ambitions realised. It is a big relief. The expectation has been always been there this season because we came so close last year."

Reynolds is looking forward to life in Premier Three next season. He said: "It is good for Wiltshire hockey because it has struggled in recent years."

Rivals and North Division Four champions Devizes face the biggest game in their short history on Sunday when they face Wimborne Wayfarers in the last eight of the Hockey Association Vase at Dauntsey's School. Push-back is at 2pm.