SWINDON Hockey Club have dramatically retained their West Premier One status despite finishing their campaign deep in the relegation mire.

Swindon's men's side have been spared the ignominy of relegation after league winners University of Bath Buccaneers claimed promotion to the National League on Monday.

Against the odds, Bath successfully negotiated promotion play-offs at the National Hockey Stadium in Milton Keynes.

The Buccs, led by player-coach Bobby Crutchley, the former Great Britain international, eliminated fellow hopefuls Ipswich, Bowden, Harbourne and City of Portsmouth, along with Harlston Magpies, who were bidding to fend off relegation from the National League.

Bath's shock success leaves a void in the West's top-flight, so Swindon's services shall be retained and only bottom-club Bristol will face the drop into Premier Two.

The late reprieve was met by jubilation in the Swindon camp.

Now the Wiltshire side need to improve their squad to ensure that their Premier One destiny remains in their own hands next time.

Alan Gough, Swindon's vice-chairman and goalkeeper, said: "It's good news for the club, and for local hockey.

"Bath weren't expected to do it so it was a big surprise and a huge boost.

"The sides from the west have traditionally been weak, so for them to do it is good for hockey in the west, and a real blessing for us.

"We now need to go out and recruit some new players to make sure that we're not in this position next season.

"If we don't strengthen, we'll get caned in every game next season and we'll suffer the same fate."