SWINDON skipper Marc Williamson reflected on his side’s WEPL Wiltshire campaign with mixed emotions following a comfortable three-wicket win against Purton on the last day of the season.

Williamson’s troops successfully chased down Purton’s score of 232 with five overs and three wickets still remaining, ensuring Swindon’s positive end to the season continued.

But after losing three games against the league’s top three sides early in the season, Williamson insisted his side’s attention must quickly re-focus to a positive 2019 campaign where he hopes a promotion charge can be mounted.

He said: “It’s been a very good few weeks. We’ve put our early season faults on hold and managed to string some wins together which is always nice.

“The mood after the game was a little bitter-sweet. We knew we didn’t play to our potential throughout the year.

“But it was good to end the year on a high and celebrate a reasonable season in the end.

“The three teams that finished above ourselves, we played them in the first three weeks. All three defeated us.

“We now know next year we must step up for the bigger games, and hopefully that will allow us to push for promotion.”

Elijah Samuel (84) and Tom Whittaker (69) caused Swindon problems in the opening innings.

However economic bowling from Adam Tucker – who conceded only 21 runs from his 10 overs – restricted the hosts to 232 from their 50 overs.

Swindon in reply were helped by quick-fire half centuries from Conor Taylor and Dean Williamson, whose efforts ultimately guided the visitors past their target.

A 10th win of the season for Swindon meant they ended the campaign in fourth place, 39 points short of Chippenham.

Williamson said: “The wicket didn’t look great, but it played fine in the end.

“We chased 230 reasonably comfortably. The wicket tends to play well at Purton, even though it didn’t look great.

“Before we know it, it will be January and we’ll be going through our drills again.

“A few of us will be looking forward to that.”

Elsewhere in WEPL Wiltshire, Royal Wootton Bassett slipped up against long-time league leaders Warminster.

Pete Hickerton’s side looked almost certain to claim the league’s top spot before a dramatic downturn in fortunes saw them finish the year third.

Despite an opening stand of 136, Warminster crashed to 212 all out as Charanveer Chahal and Sam Lawro both picked up four wickets apiece.

Bassett stumbled in reply, though, and were soon fighting a losing battle after openers Chahal and Josh Smith were both dismissed cheaply.

Though Jack Twine and Harry Griffin battled past double figures, the home side proved too strong - eventually recording an 87-run victory.

The result ensured Bassett ended the campaign in sixth place, 22 points behind fifth-placed Devizes.