PURTON skipper Aaron Lee heaped praise on his side after they completed an eight-wicket win over Corsham, which saw Tom Bowler record a five-wicket haul and a half-century.

Home side Corsham won the toss and opted to bat on Saturday, a decision they might have soon regretted as they were easily dispatched for 117.

Bowler was the main man for Purton, who secured back-to-back league wins to start the WEPL Wiltshire campaign, with a five-wicket haul, while Callum Flay registered a hat-trick.

With the bat, Bowler was equally impressive, recording an unbeaten 53, as youngster Neil Little chipped in with 41 not out to see Purton to 120-2.

Lee was impressed with the professionalism of the performance and admits his team have surprised him with their faultless start.

“It’s a perfect start and I am really pleased. Winning both games at the start of the season is exactly what you want,” he said.

“We have been notoriously bad at starting. I’ve been playing in the first team for over 10 seasons now and we normally lose the first game of the year.

“It was a really professional win from the guys. We had a bit of a mixed side, so to go away from home and make light work of it is really good.

“I was especially pleased with the fielding. We took every chance and some of them were not easy ones to take.

“We had no pre-season because of the weather. I know that was the same for everyone, but it is difficult for their bowlers because they don’t have their legs yet.”

Lee also heaped praise on batting duo Bowler and Little, who scored the vast majority of their runs.

“Tom has come into the season in good form, especially with the bat. I know he was disappointed with last week, so to see him bounce back with five wickets and a half-century isn’t bad going.

“He looked really good with the bat, and long may it continue. We know he isn’t going to be able to do it in every game, but if he does more often than not, then he is going to help put us in some really strong positions.

“Neil supported him really well. It took him a while to get going, but when he did, they didn’t look like they’d get him out.”

Elsewhere in WEPL Wiltshire, Royal Wootton Bassett claimed an eight-wicket win over Marlborough.

Darren Beasant’s side elected to field, removing the visitors for 154, before notching 158-2.

However, Swindon were unable to beat the target of 165 set by Chippenham as they fell 48 runs short.

In Prem Two Glos/Wilts, Lechlade suffered a similar fate as Corsham won the toss, elected to bat and posted a score of 251.

Lechlade, who were at home, could only reach 162 before being bowled out.