PAUL Stobbart was pleased that his Devizes teammates could get the job done withouth him, after the batsman was forced to retire early in Saturday’s win over Nationwide House.

Stobbart injured his hamstring shortly after Devizes opened their innings but Jon Couch’s side still went on to claim a comfortable 109-run victory.

“I was stretching for a third run and pulled my hamstring,” said the Devizes opener. “I had to come off really early but I knew that the other guys could take care of business.

“We played really well and it was our bowling and fielding that won it for us.

“Obviously, our objective at the start of the season was to consolidate our place in this division and I think that we’ve done well so far.”

Devizes lost the toss and were put in to bat first, with James Langan leading the way with a knock of 64.

Tom Shaw made 47 while Adam Croutear added 24 before he became one of four wickets to fall to Joe Perkins.

The visitors’ Andy Lewis also took four as Devizes posted 203-8.

The hosts tore through Nationwide’s batting, with Ben McGowen, Richard Wright and Tom Grant all taking three wickets, as the visitors were skittled for just 94 in the 29th over.

Skipper Couch was pleased with his side’s performance. “It was the best we’ve fielded all season and we took all our catches,” he said.

“It would be great if we could finish fourth or fifth in our first season back in this league.”

Devizes face league leaders Lechlade this weekend.