Beasant warns of Rockhampton threat (From Swindon Advertiser)

Beasant warns of Rockhampton threat

9:00am Friday 10th July 2009 in

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SWINDON captain Darren Beasant reckons Rockhampton’s form should serve as a “wake-up call” for his players ahead of tomorrow’s league clash at the County Ground.

Rockhampton recorded the surprise result of last Saturday’s Glos/Wilts Division fixtures when they inflicted a five-wicket defeat on title-chasing Biddestone at the Boundary Field.

And Beasant admitted he was one of those who raised eyebrows after seeing the result, which did his own side’s title prospects no harm at all.

And in the light of Rockhampton’s result last week, Beasant said his team must not underestimate the South Gloucestershire outfit when the sides meet tomorrow.

“On the face of it I would have thought Biddestone would have won (against Rockhampton) quite comfortably,” he admitted.

“They beat a reinforced Biddestone, which is proof they are more than capable of beating us at the County Ground.

“There’s no reason why they shouldn’t be confident and we’ve got to take that as a bit of a wake-up call.

“They are one of five sides scrapping for their lives, but they have some quality players and so we have absolutely every reason to respect them.”

Swindon were comfortable winners when they met Rockhampton on the opening day of the season, sealing an 87-run at the Boundary Field.

But Beasant admitted he was shocked that tomorrow’s opponents had not taken more wins since their first-day defeat.

“I’m quite surprised to see them as low as they are in the table,” he said.

“They have got two or three seam bowlers who are pretty professional, and there’s two or three players there who if they find some form, are pretty good batters.

“I think early wickets are key tomorrow. They have got a couple of class players in the top order so if you can get rid of them quickly, it helps.”

Chris Aubrey will miss tomorrow’s game due to his darts commitments, so Nathan Iles moves up from the seconds and is due to make his debut.

Iles has been in terrific form with the bat of late, cracking 160 runs against Stroud 2nds a fortnight ago and following it up with a half-century against the same side last weekend.

“It’s always nice to bring a young player in and he will add a bit of athleticism,” said Beasant.

“He’ll come in for a couple of weeks and will have the chance to stake a claim for a first team place and make selection difficult.”

Elsewhere in the division, rock bottom Wootton Bassett travel to mid-table Gloucester City Winget.

Lechlade face a difficult task at home to league leaders Westbury, their visitors having won eight out of 10 games so far this campaign.