JOE Perkins wants his Nationwide House team to get over their Devizes hoodoo as they bid to secure back to back wins in the WEPL Wiltshire Division.

Nationwide, who go into the clash fresh off the back of their hard-fought five-run victory over local rivals Wootton Bassett last weekend, have lost three of their last four meetings with their Saturday hosts.

However, skipper Perkins is keen for those past troubles to be forgotten as a slightly changed side makes the short trip down the A361.

“Last week’s ‘el classico’ is firmly forgotten as we must concentrate, more than usual, for our trip to Devizes on Saturday as they have been somewhat of a bogey team for us over the past few years,” said Perkins.

“We never seem to quite get it right with the bat on their lovely track so the inclusion of a couple of second-team players, who have scored freely at their place in the past, is a welcome rather than a worry.”

Although Perkins will be missing key players in opening batsmen Nick and Jon Clarke and nimble-handled wicketkeeper Luke Bradley-Leach, he is confident the trio’s deputies will step up to the mark.

“With both Clarkes and Luke at a wedding we have drafted in experience in Mick (Harris) and Kevin (Flay), alongside Jason (Griffiths) who will also take on the glove duties,” he said.

“The bowling attack remains unchanged to hopefully do all season what they do best, as we aim for another tight stint with the ball.”