SWINDON captain Alex Kill says that the arrival of former England star Philip DeFreitas has been a huge boost.

The 51-year-old ex-Lancashire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire seamer was unveiled as the new head coach at the County Ground at the start of 2017.

And with Kill taking up the captaincy reins for the current campaign from wicketkeeper Andrew Staff, the skipper feels that having DeFreitas around has helped instil more confidence around the place.

“It’s been really helpful (having DeFreitas at the club),” said Kill.

“I don’t think we are doing too much different to what we were doing in the past, it is just when someone like Phil DeFreitas says it, people will listen that little bit more.

“It does take the pressure off a little bit.”

Kill has enjoyed a fine start to his new role, with Swindon winning their opening two games in WEPL Wiltshire – defeating last season’s runners-up Marshfield by nine wickets in their opener before beating local rivals Purton by five wickets last weekend.

The early league leaders will have another tough test of their title credentials tomorrow when they make the trip to a Warminster side looking to make an immediate return to Premier Two Glos/Wilts.

“I think the key at the moment is not to get over-excited by our start,” Kill said.

“We have to take it game by game.

“We are lucky as we have quite a few all-rounders at the club, which does give us a few more options.”

Purton, meanwhile, will be hoping that they can bounce back from that defeat to Swindon when they entertain Calne.

Aaron Lee’s side won their opening match of the campaign by beating Trowbridge and tomorrow they face a Calne side who have lost both of their matches this term.

Royal Wootton Bassett will also be hoping for a better showing this weekend when they head to Devizes.

After beating Warminster on the opening day of the season, Darren Beasant’s side succumbed to a heavy loss at home to Great Bedwyn.

Having bowled their visitors out for 209 just inside the 50 overs, Bassett were dismissed for 122 in the 38th over of their reply.

Their hosts tomorrow, meanwhile, will also be looking to get back on track following their two-wicket loss to Warminster.