CHIPPENHAM captain Lee Ward has not given up on the WEPL Wiltshire title, believing his troops are capable of challenging runaway leaders Warminster.

Ward’s troops claimed a four-wicket win at home to Swindon at the weekend to make it nine victories from 11 games, although Warminster are 38 points clear at the top after continuing their 100 per cent record.

Although his troops remain underdogs, Ward sees no reason why Chippenham cannot keep Warminster on their toes.

“We knew from the game earlier in the season that Swindon are a strong team so we were glad to get the win and keep the pressure on Warminster,” said Ward.

“I think we have got to believe we can overhaul them. We came into the season with the aim of winning the league.

“There are still seven games left and we still have to play them. We know it is going to be a challenge, but if we can win all of our games – and there is no reason we can’t do that – we will have a chance.

“We appreciate we are going to need a favour or two from other teams too, but we have to believe it is possible.”

Ward and Charlie Slade took three wickets each to limit Swindon to 150 before Adeesha Nanayakkara’s unbeaten 69 formed the spine of successful run chase, as Chippenham reached 156-6 with 11 overs remaining.

“In terms of run-rate, there was never any issue, but we lost a few wickets in a row towards the middle of the innings, which put a bit of pressure on us, but we have got a long batting line-up so we were still confident of knocking off 150,” said Ward.

Calne were unable to halt Warminster’s unbeaten streak as they fell to nine-wicket defeat on the road.

Dominic Webb (4-27) and Alex Adlam (3-23) helped skittle Calne out for just 96 in 22.4 overs, with Jack Berrisford (47 not out) and Pete Hickerton (42 not out) then leading a comfortable run chase as Warminster reached their target inside 19 overs.

Elsewhere, Marshfield stay third in the table after a 57-run win at home to Devizes.

James Williams (93) and Lachlan Taylor (53) helped the hosts post 280-8, with Devizes’ Harry Easton picking up 4-53.

In reply, Taylor and Tom Clist claimed three wickets each as the visitors were bowled out for 223 inside 44 overs, despite 75 from Tim Saye.

Royal Wootton Bassett claimed a three-wicket win away at Marlborough.

The home side were bowled out for 143 as Bassett’s Navjot Chahal took three wickets and 40 from captain Darren Beasant was the backbone of a successful run chase, as the visitors got over the winning line with two overs to spare, finishing on 145-7.

Corsham 2nd were 16-run winners at Purton, thanks to Mark Hick’s half-century.

Hicks (65), Jack Humphreys (48) and Michael Myatt (44) guided Corsham to 284-8 before Ned Jones took three wickets to help restrict the Purton reply to 268 all out, despite valiant knocks from Mohamed Cook (84) and Neil Little (74).