CHIPPENHAM captain Richard Bates hailed his side after their six-wicket win at Ilminster made it three consecutive victories.

Just a few weeks ago Chippenham were flirting dangerously with relegation from West of England Premier Division Two but a resurgence in form has seen them rise towards midtable.

Bates led by example on Saturday by top scoring with 48 and taking two wickets but he insists it was a good all round team performance.

He said: "I was very pleased with them on Saturday and it is amazing how things have changed over the last few weeks.

"We are bowling, fielding and batting well and looking a good side now.

"Their batsmen could not cope with slow bowling and they either defended or went all out for the boundary. They didn't play us very well."

Ilminster batted first and looked quite comfortable as they reached 50-1 but then spinners Jason Searle and Bates came on. On a helpful pitch the home players could not cope with the spin bowling as they collapsed to 133-9.

Bates finished with figures of 3-23 off 15 overs and Searle finished on 2-23.

Fourteen-year-old Liam Dawson also added to his already growing reputation with a short burst in the final five overs as he finished with two wickets for the 20.

In reply, Chippenham always looked in control as they cruised towards their target.

Bates scored a commanding 48 while Mark Hunt (19) and Jace Lawson (42) also contributed with good scores to set up a win inside 42 overs.

Chippenham entertain league leaders Glastonbury tomorrow.