CORSHAM CRICKET: JAMES Ashford-Brown enjoyed a dream league debut for Corsham on Saturday and then vowed to try and establish himself as a Wiltshire regular this season.

The former Devizes seamer combined with fellow Corsham new boy Jason Searle as they took four wickets apiece to secure a thrilling one run opening day victory at home to Bristol (formerly Optimists and Clifton).

Ashford-Brown took the vital last wicket to seal the win and also added an important 13 not out with the bat as Corsham's 167 all out just proved enough.

Ashford-Brown was in and out of the county side last season, making three appearances, but hopes moving up to the West of England Premier League will enhance his future prospects.

He said: "I had a terrible season at Devizes last season and in the end I just thought enough was enough.

"I want to play for Wiltshire again and I just thought that with Devizes getting relegated I was not going to do it there.

"I played a few games last season but did not really do much, so this time I am looking to do something for the county.

"I hope Saturday was the start of a good season for myself and Corsham."

After winning the toss, Corsham elected to bat and were put in early trouble when new opener Oliver Smith was dismissed without scoring to leave the hosts on 3-1.

Peter Dennett (41) and Stephen Silk (34) then put on a partnership of 63 before Silk was bowled with the score at 66-2.

Corsham's innings looked in danger of complete collapse when the next three wickets fell for just 18 runs to leave them struggling on 84-5.

Captain Neil Shardlow (14), Steven Copland (33) and Toby Sharpe all then added important contributions before they were bowled out for 167 off 54.2 overs.

In reply, Bristol started strongly with Wiltshire opening batsman Kevin Blackburn (22) and James Williams (33) putting on an opening partnership of 40 before Oliver Smith ran out Blackburn.

David Lowe (5) and Williams quickly followed after being dismissed by Searle to leave them on 65-3.

Paul Redwood (17) and Graeme Brown (31 not out) looked to have put the visitors on course for victory until the former was dismissed by Ashford-Brown with the score at 100-4.

Their last six wickets then fell for just 66 runs as Ashford-Brown dismissed Nic Doherty (0) with Bristol just one run short of their target.

Ashford-Brown finished with figures of 4-31 with Searle taking 4-42.

The former Devizes man, said: "That was one of the better games I have ever been involved in."