RICHARD Bates believes Liam Dawson has a big future ahead of him after he helped Chippenham to a morale boosting 118 run win at home to Frocester on Saturday.

The 14-year-old opener, who plays for the Hampshire Academy side, played with a maturity beyond his years to score 32 to help Chippenham to 254-5 after 50 overs.

While not top scoring, stand-in captain Bates, was impressed.

Bates said: "You would not have known he was 14 years old. He worked the ball around well and held his end up while the others scored quickly. He can also bowl left arm spin and if he carries on the way he is going at the moment I think he has a big future ahead of him.

"He is definitely one for the future and his innings helped the others set about their bowling attack."

Having won the toss and elected to bat, Chippenham started well and with only five wickets down they raced to 254 off their allotted overs.

Opener Richard Bates scored 38, with Jace Lawson and Paul Bates scoring 64 and 58 respectively.

Frocester went into the match in contention for the league title but they were always going to struggle to reach 254 and the loss of danger man Nick Trainor for 36 spelt the end for them.

Richard Bates took 4-30 and Jason Searle 5-39 as Frocester were bowled out for 136 off just 41 overs.

The win lifts Chippenham towards mid table in the West of England Premier Division Two and Bates is asking for more of the same for the remaining games.