ROYAL Wootton Bassett skipper Darren Beasant hopes a timely win at Marlborough last weekend can inspire his men to further success against Devizes on Saturday.

Beasant’s troops recorded a three-wicket win against league strugglers Marlborough to remain in the top half of the WEPL Wiltshire table.

While table-topping Warminster continue to remain unbeaten, and already appear to be the likely champions, Bassett remain in contention for a top-three finish.

But with the summer holidays approaching and player unavailability likely to hinder his side’s progress, Beasant is determined not to get ahead of himself.

“It had been a tough month for us prior to last weekend,” said Beasant.

“With the way the fixtures worked out, I believe we played the top three teams in the league all in close proximity to each other.

“We played Chippenham, Warminster and Marshfield. And that coincided with a period where we struggled with player availability.”

Bassett’s clash against Devizes this weekend presents the home side with a chance to put some distance between themselves and the bottom half of the division.

A win could see Beasant’s men stretch the points gap between themselves and sixth-placed Devizes beyond 50 points.

While achieving a top-half finish is Bassett’s main goal this season, the skipper admitted managing player availability throughout August will be a tricky task.

He said: “We had a tough end to June and start to July. They were three tough games for us.

“But it gave us a good understanding with regards to where we are in comparison to other teams.

“We were close to full strength last weekend and managed to get over the line.”

Elsewhere in WEPL Wiltshire, Purton face a tough trip to leaders Warminster, while Swindon host third-placed Marshfield.

Alex Kill’s Swindon currently sit fifth in the league, although they trail Saturday’s visitors by 42 points.

Lechlade also face a tricky game in Premier Two Glos/Wilts as they host table-topping Cheltenham.