LOCAL bragging rights remained with Swindon this weekend as they proved too strong for near neighbours Purton in a 98-run victory in WEPL Wiltshire.

Swindon, who also claimed the spoils against Royal Wootton Bassett in another local derby earlier this year, chose to bat first after winning the toss at the County Ground on a blistering Saturday afternoon.

The hosts racked up an impressive target of 292 for their visitors, with Connor Taylor and Paul Davies both chipping in with decent scores of 55 and 54 respectively.

When it was Purton’s turn to bat, they looked to be making light work of their run chase as they stormed to 120-0.

However, they promptly succumbed to superb bowling display from the home side and their captain Alex Kill, who registered a five-wicket haul.

Cameron Baden also claimed three scalps as Swindon eventually they dispatched their visitors for 194 to claim a fourth win on the spin and continue their march up the table.

Captain Kill said: “It felt like an important toss to win to take advantage of the good weather and batting conditions.

“We got off to another good start before losing a couple of wickets in the middle.

“Fortunately, the depth in our batting proved crucial as guys further down the order took full advantage and gave us a very competitive total.

“Purton came out aggressively in the second innings and got off to a flyer, but you always felt a chance was round the corner.

“Once the first wicket fell, we began to take back control of the game and the choice to take pace off the ball proved to be an important decision.

“Their target of 292 was always going to be difficult to chase, no matter how good the conditions were for batting.

“I imagine we were all a little less confident at 120-0, but we held our nerve and fought back well.”

Elsewhere, Royal Wootton Bassett felt the full force of league leaders Warminster as they were beaten by 161 runs.

Darren Beasant’s troops, who were a few players light for the game, elected to field and were soon put to the sword as Pete Hickerton’s side rattled up 265-4 before declaring.

Warminster have been formidable with the ball so far this season and that proved to be the case again as they dismantled Bassett for 104.

In Prem Two Glos/ Wilts, Lechlade’s struggles continued as they came off second best to Thornbury at the Manor Ground.

The visitors won the toss and looked to struggled initially as they stood at 57-4, but the away side persisted and eventually set a target of 246.

Lechlade made a flying start, knocking up 126-3 however, as the game wore on they became less affective as they were dispatched for 174.

Jack Smith’s 76 couldn’t prevent defeat, which was their eighth of the season as they now reside at the bottom of the league standings.