WILTSHIRE skipper Ed Young insists a positive end to the county’s Unicorns Championship Western Division campaign will open the door for further improvement next summer.

Wins against Wales and Herefordshire have lifted Wiltshire to sixth in the three-day table following a turbulent start to the season with losses against both Dorset and neighbouring Berkshire.

But Young believes his youthful squad can now push for a top-half finish, admitting winning three-day fixtures breeds confidence in the dressing room.

“Oxfordshire have played very well recently, and I know they have Gareth Andrew in their side, he’s been quite an important player for them this season,” said Young.

“He’ll be the main threat – other than that I just know we’ll be in for a tough challenge.

“Hopefully we can keep up our good form from the past three games.”

The game starting on Sunday will see Wiltshire take to the field at Marlborough Cricket Club for the first time.

Not knowing what elements to expect, Young admits he’s had to pick the brains of some of WEPL Wiltshire’s standout batsmen to pass feedback to his side.

“I’ve never played at Marlborough before, so I’ve had to go on other people’s thoughts,” he said.

“It’s going to be interesting. Looking at some of the scores that have been made there, it doesn’t seem like the highest scoring ground.

“It’s going to be an unused wicket, so hopefully it won’t bat too badly.”

Reflecting on their campaign to date, Young spoke proudly of how his team have bounced back from a pair of disappointing early results to transform their season’s fortunes.

Youngster Jack Haines has proved a key figure for the county this season, with some wiser members passing on invaluable tips.

“What I’ve really enjoyed this year is the fact we’ve got better with every game.

“Against Dorset we had a bad session but generally played quite well, against Berkshire we should have chased 190 on the last day.

“We drew against Cornwall and then had our wins against Wales and Herefordshire.

“I’ve enjoyed the fact that we’ve improved and our team is starting to understand how to win three-day games of cricket. To finish strongly this season will help us gather momentum.”