DEVIZES cricket captain Jon Couch praised his side for earning a rapid return to the West of England leagues and said he never expected it to happen so soon.

The London Road club wrapped up the Wiltshire League Division One title with two games still to play on Saturday after an 83-run victory over Burbage & ER.

Devizes will play in the West of Enland’s Wiltshire Division next year and Couch says they will go into it with the same belief.

“I’m naturally quite pessimistic and didn’t believe we would do it,” he said. “But I knew the ability was there.

“This year our aim was simply to win our first game. When we did that it became to finish in the top half.

“Then about halfway through the season we were doing quite well and thought about the title and to do that with two games to go is a great achievement.”

Devizes have won 13 of their 16 games with a side consisting of mostly teenagers and players in their early twenties.

“Hopefully the experience we’ve gained this season will set us up for next year.

“The atmosphere at the club has been very good and there’s a lot more team spirit.

“Personally, I’ve definitely enjoyed my cricket more this year than any other season.

“I hope next year, even if we don’t win our first few games we keep that spirit.

“There is a lot of youthful enthusiasm and will to win around the club but the main thing is to enjoy cricket.”

Devizes host third-placed KC Club on Saturday.