DEVIZES skipper Tom Grant admits his side surprised him after they registered a nine-wicket win over Marlborough at the weekend.

The hosts lost the toss and were put in the field and quickly got to work as they tore through Marlborough’s batting order, dispatching them for 137.

With the bat, they were ruthless, as David Bromley (81) and Joe Wookey (41) fired them past their target, with the help of four from their skipper.

“We lost the toss, we were going to have a bat but we got put into the field,” said Grant.

“We bowled well, nice and tight. We kept our discipline and took all of our chances which is a nice change from the last couple of weeks.

“We’d lost three or four games in a row and dropped six or seven catches nearly every week, so it was nice for us to put the pressure on and restrict them to a difficult score.

“I expected us to win by seven or eight wickets and I would have been disappointed if we lost any more than two wickets.

“David and Joe batted really well and didn’t allow any of the bowlers to settle, their captain had a nightmare too because every change he made, the ball seemed to go even further.

“We needed it. As I said we have lost three or four matches on the bounce and we were in need of a big win like that so I’m very happy with.

“Now we have Marshfield. Ideally, we would have had an easier game so we could build up a bit of momentum, they’re a very good side.

“They have a very strong batting line up, so we have to restrict them with the ball.”

Royal Wootton Bassett were also in action, but they were unable to come away with a win as they were thumped by Marshfield in a 108-run defeat at home.

Chippenham gained some ground on the league leaders Marshfield with their away win over Corsham 2nd.

Their haul of 287-7 - led by 84 from Chris Munden and Adeesha Nanayakkara’s 76 - was too much for the hosts, they could only manage 176.

Calne recorded an excellent win to beat Purton as they over came an impressive target of 276-4 as they came in 280-4 at home to win the game.