DARREN Beasant was left to reflect on the “one that got away” after Swindon were forced to settle for the runners-up spot in the Glos/Wilts Division.

Former Zimbabwe all-rounder Ryan Higgins ensured it was Chippenham who took the title with a staggering final day contribution at ahome to Gloucester City Winget.

Higgins smashed an unbeaten 122 with the bat, then took 9-37 with the ball, including a hat-trick, to finally curtail Swindon’s promotion dreams.

Beasant was full of praise for Chippenham’s overseas star, but couldn’t help feeling frustrated that it wasn’t his players popping the champagne corks on Saturday night.

He said: “That was an unbelievable performance, but to be fair that’s what you pay professionals for - to really deliver in the games that matter.

“Gloucester City are no mugs and he has smashed them almost single-handedly, so you have to take your hat off to him.

“From our point of view it is just a very disappointing end to the season.

“When you beat Chippenham twice, Biddestone twice and most of the other top sides twice and still don’t go up you kind of feel you have thrown it away.

“Chippenham have been the most consistent side over the season, and that’s why they are champions.

“On the plus side our second eleven won the league this year and we have some good youngsters coming through, so that should stand us in good stead for the future.”

Swindon did all they could to keep their title hopes alive with a comprehensive seven-wicket win over rivals Wootton Bassett at Rylands Way.

Batting first, Bassett posted 164-9 with opener Sam Lawro (47) the major contributor.

In reply, Swindon raced to their target inside 29 overs, Bruce Martin smashing an unbeaten 94 at the top of the order.

Bassett skipper Neil Twine paid tribute to Martin after the South African-born star punished his bowlers to all corners of the ground.

Twine said: “We knew we needed early wickets to have any chance, but then Bruce came out and just smashed it.

“He was in awesome form and every ball just disappeared to the boundary.

“Obviously it was not the way we wanted to finish the season, but hats off to Swindon.

“We were completely outclassed.

“It was a shame for them they missed out on promotion, but from our perspective it means we get to play them again next season.

“We did what we set out to achieve at the start of the summer, and that was to stay in this division.

“We know we will have to add a few players in the winter, but all in all it’s been another very good year for the club.”