ROYAL Wootton Bassett will pit their wits against league leaders Warminster in this weekend’s WEPL Wiltshire clash.

But Bassett skipper Darren Beasant has revealed he is down to the bare bones of a squad, with six first team players unavailable for the clash.

Opening batsmen Sam Lawro sits out, as does Jack Paish, Charlie Knight, Jordan Butler and Jack Smith.

Bassett are currently third in the table, with Marshfield and Warminster ahead of them.

After winning their first six games, they have now lost two of their last three and Beasant is hoping to see a return to form this weekend, although, he admits it is unlikely.

“We have lost a couple of games recently after to some degree, making an unexpected start to the season because we didn’t lose in six games,” he said.

“We were neck and neck with them. We lost a big derby game to Swindon and then lost again to Chippenham, who were a good side, last weekend.

“It’s a competitive league and of course we would like to get back to winning ways this weekend but it is going to be problematic.

“We have a few players unavailable this week, they’re core first team players but we will try and be competitive, if anything it might take the pressure off a little bit because we have no expectations.

“We’ll play the best cricket that we can and see what happens. We are struggling as a club this weekend.”

Warminster have been in formidable form since the start of the year and Beasant believes strength in depth as well as a ruthless bowling set-up has seen them dominate teams so far.

“We know a little bit about them, obviously we played them a couple of times last year and I think they have the best bowling attack in the league,” he added.

“They have a very good seam attack, they have got themselves a decent overseas batter and their captain, Peter Hickerton, is a fine player.

“They’re what you expect, they are a good, strong team will all bases covered. They field well and they bat with depth.

“They’re a good side and I think they have a little bit of what we lack, which is some strength in depth.”

Elsewhere in WEPL Wiltshire, Swindon will hope to keep up their goof form with a victory at home to Purton.

A win for Swindon will take their unbeaten run to four games, while Aaron Lee’s Purton side are looking to avoid their fourth straight loss.

In Prem Two Glos/Wilts, Lechlade, like Purton, could do with a victory and will have to overcome Thornbury at home if they are to get one.