Royal Wootton Bassett skipper Darren Beasant sees one more step to safety ahead of Swindon derby

This weekend, Bassett welcome local rivals Swindon, who are currently two places below the hosts in the league standings in eighth place.

Beasant says it has been a strange month for his side, who have claimed one win in their last five fixtures, with weather causing havoc with the WEPL Wiltshire schedule.

Despite this, the Bassett skipper refuses to label this game as a ‘must-win’ going into Saturday’s derby fixture.

“It has been a strange month actually. Like lots of people, we haven’t had the chance to play too much cricket,” he said.

“We had a good win over Great Bedwyn and then had a couple of games rained off and we were in a decent position for both of those.

“It feels like for a lot of us, especially the batsmen, that we haven’t been out there much in over a month.

“It’s not ideal. I wouldn’t say we need a win but at this time of year you look at the table above you and the table below you.

“I think one more win and we probably won’t have any concerns about being dragged down, even if three teams go down.

“So I wouldn’t say we need a win, as long as we win one of our last four games I think we will be okay.”

Swindon have also seen their fixtures disrupted and claimed their last win over five weeks ago but following a derby victory earlier in the season, Beasant is expecting their visitors to come out strongly at the weekend.

“It is a local derby game and we would like a win from many perspectives,” added Beasant.

“I have no doubt they would be pretty keen to win it, they are a couple of spots below us in the table and have their own concerns about staying in the league.

“I’m sure they would love to avenge a defeat from earlier in the year, so I am expecting them to come out and be positive.

“We have to be prepared for a side who have a little bit about them.”

Purton are also in action and they will look to build on their win last time out when they travel to Devizes on Saturday afternoon.