DEVIZES picked up from where they left off at the end of last summer as they began the new season with a seven-wicket victory over Gloucestershire and Wiltshire Division One new boys Trowbridge.

Winning the toss and electing to bat first, Trowbridge made a steady start but soon found themselves in trouble following the introduction of Mark Banham to the attack.

Seamer Banham, making his first competitive appearance for the club, produced an excellent spell of three wickets for 11 runs in eight overs to reduce help Trowbridge from 40 for one to 77 for six.

Banham was supported by an economical spell from Alex Muse and a tireless effort from James Ashford-Brown and the hosts seized control of the game.

Pete Hickerton, with a well composed 38, and Rob Edginton, with an unbeaten 33, staged a fightback with a partnership of 67 to take the score on to 134 before Banham returned to remove Hickerton.

Edginton ensured that Trowbridge batted out their 50 overs, finishing on 149-eight, with Muse claiming two for 32 and Ashford-Brown two for 49.

This total looked defendable when Andy Hales took two early wickets to remove both openers and, with the score at 13 for two, Trowbridge were right back in the game.

Tim Saye and captain Mark Colyer then batted sensibly to steer Devizes through the next 20 overs without further loss. Saye then blossomed, dealing savagely with anything short on his way to a fine 67 not out.

Ali Goddard picked up the consolation wicket of Colyer for 38 before Devizes reached their target with 13 overs to spare.