ROYAL Wootton Bassett skipper Darren Beasant says there is no magic ingredient behind the club’s superb start to the campaign.

Sitting top of the WEPL Wiltshire league standings, Beasant will take his troops to local rivals Swindon, who are in a sticky patch of form with one win from their opening five.

Despite the difference in fortunes so far though, Beasant says there is no real secret behind Bassett’s blistering start.

“We lost a few players over the summer and they were the core part of our side last year,” he said.

“I think the absence of an overseas professional has really meant some of the players have really had to step up. It really does feel like a team.

“Everybody seems to have a role, they seem to work hard for each other and respect each other.

“The good thing about the club is there is a team of eight guys, who are teenagers or in their mid-twenties, they grew up together.

“There is a real spirit which other teams have to build and we haven’t had to do that because of the make-up of the side.

“We just play disciplined cricket, there are no superstars so everyone turns up on a Saturday knowing they have to contribute.

“They know their performance will have an impact on the game, rather relying on other players, their is no magic ingredient other than a more balanced side and better preparation that what we have had in more recent years.

“We just need to turn up and do our best, which is what we have been doing.”

Local rivals Swindon are the next obstacle for Bassett to overcome at the County Ground.

While Beasant’s side go into the game with far superior form, the captain says form goes out of the window when you are involved in a derby fixture.

“Form doesn’t really count for anything in derby games,” he added.

“There are lots of derbies in this league but it is definitely a fixture that I’m sure both teams are looking forward to.

“Obviously you want to win every game of cricket that you play, but there is a little bit more on this one. I think there are some local bragging rights.

“Last year we beat them pretty comprehensively at their place and then they came back and beat us at our place.

“You don’t look at league positions when you play a team like Swindon because you know it is going to be a competitive game of cricket.

“If I was in their dressing room I would be telling my players that I wouldn’t want to lose to this team and we’d want to inflict their first defeat and I’m sure they’ll be saying something similar.”

Bassett go into the game with a full squad to pick from after coming through the weekend unscathed.