AS league cricket returns slowly to Wiltshire, with the formation of the , it was elbow bumps, not high fives, in celebration for the Potterne 1st XI on Saturday, after they beat Chippenham 1st XI by five wickets at Hardenhuish Park.

The game was played according to the new Covic-19 protocols, which meant scorers Ellie Rumble and Dave Bradfield were especially grateful for the fine weather. Banned from using the scorers hut because of social distancing, they moved outside onto the grass.

Chippenham, who won the toss and opted to bat first on their home turf, managed 176 for 9, with top performances coming from Tom Lloyd, 46 not out and Luke Charlesworth, who fell victim lbw to Ben Higton, having scored his side's only six of the day.

Potterne clearly saw this as an achievable target, and were delighted when some steady hitting from top scorer captain Neil Clark took him to 41, including two sixes, supported by Jake Goodwin on 38 and wicketkeeper Jack Bramwell on 34, to complete the victory at 177 for five wickets.

The four club teams had even fortunes on Saturday, with the 4th XI also triumphing 122 for no loss over Spye Park 2nd XI, who they bowled out for 121.

The 2nd XI took a heavy defeat to Trowbridge 1sts, who won the toss and knocked up 380 for five, then proceeded to punish Potterne with the bowling, leaving the villagers all out for 61. The 3rds played at Devizes, where their 2nd XI won the toss and opted to bat, knocking up 167 all out, while Potterne could only reach 124 before losing their last man.