Westbury were left to rue their bad luck at the weekend when a four-wicket success over Warminster was not enough to keep them in the Glos/Wilts Division.
The Wellhead Lane side went into Saturday’s match needing a victory as well as a win from second-placed Rockhampton over Chippenham to keep their place in the division.
And while Westbury maintained their side of the bargain, Chippenham picked up a two-wicket win at their high-flying hosts.
The win for Chippenham, although they only collected 17 points to Westbury’s 19, meant that they finished six points clear of Alex Senneck’s outfit.
Westbury were indebted to their change bowlers on Saturday as they bowled their visitors out for 165, despite a solid 81 from Warminster skipper Tom Davie.
Aditya Rai was the pick of the Westbury bowlers with 3-32 from nine overs and he was well-supported by David Wade, who claimed figures of 2-18 from eight overs.
In reply, Westbury opener Jared McDonald led the way with a well-crafted 57, which included two sixes and fours. The hosts saw a solid all-round batting display with their third victory in five matches secured in the 48th over.
“All we can do now is look forward to next season,” chairman Neil Hawker said.
“We have been led brilliantly by our new captain Alex Senneck and it just a shame that we couldn’t turn our season around. We have been desperately unlucky with the weather as well.”
Despite facing the prospect life in Wiltshire Division, just three seasons after being in Premier Two, Hawker is optimistic for the future.
“We have a well run youth section here at Westbury,” he said. “We have got players coming through the ranks and for a club like ours, it is vitally important to have that.”
The reverse for Warminster did not affect their position in the Glos/Wilts Division as they ended the campaign in fifth place 13 points adrift of Swindon in fourth.
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