CHIPPENHAM CRICKET: RICHARD Bates insists there is still plenty of room for improvement after helping his Chippenham side to their first league win of the season at home to Old Bristolians on Saturday.

After two straight defeats in the West of England Premier Division Two, Chippenham knew a win was vital but it looked unlikely after they were bowled out for just 145.

But with a superb display in the field, the hosts managed to turn the game as Liam Dawson and Bates took three wickets apiece to bowl the visitors out six runs short of their total in a nailbiting finish.

Opener Bates, who top scored with 26, said: "That was a much needed win. We bowled and fielded very well although we did not bat very well at all.

"That has been the story of our season so far. We have not scored enough runs. There is still plenty of room for improvement, that is for sure."

Bates, who had scored only six runs in the previous two matches, made himself unavailable for Wiltshire's minor counties championship at Oxfordshire this week due to a change in jobs.

He is hoping to get back involved later this season but knows his form with the bat will have to improve.

He said: "I have just started a new job so I couldn't very well ask them for a few days off for cricket straight away. But I am definitely hoping to still be involved this season.

"I have not started the season too well with the bat, although I was fairly happy with my form on Saturday.

"To be honest, I don't really care how I do individually as long as we win the game but it is always nice to get a few runs under your belt."

Chippenham won the toss and openers Bates (25) and Liam Dawson (16) gave them a good start.

Hayden Smith (13), Chris Nicholas (18), Paul Bates (17) and Trevor Lloyd (14) all added useful contributions but lost their wickets at the wrong time as they finished on 145.

In reply, the visitors looked to be cruising to victory, with openers Alex Harris (32) and Diaan Van-Wyk (30) putting together a useful opening partnership.

But some tight bowling by Gloucestershire all-rounder Tim Hancock, seamer Paul Bates and spinners Bates and Dawson gradually saw the tide turn in Chippenham's favour.

With Bates and Dawson taking three wickets apiece, Old Bristolians were left needing nine runs off the final over but they were unable to do it as Dawson took the final wicket.

Captain Lloyd, said: "It was an excellent win and a really good effort from everyone involved. We needed that result especially with the other sides around us picking up wins as well.

"Our wicket is slow at the moment and if you bowl straight and tight it is very difficult to score runs from it. All of our bowlers were superb and I thought Paul Bates was exceptional."

Chippenham travel to Frocester tomorrow.