LAST Saturday, Trowbridge couldn’t have asked for a batter set of results ahead of a crucial three-week period in the Wiltshire Division title race, according to captain Mike Reynolds.

The County Ground outfit’s promotion prospects received a boost as their seven-wicket victory over Great Bedwyn, coupled with defeats for title rivals Westbury and Marlborough, saw their lead at the top of the table stretch to 27 points.

Following tomorrow’s clash with Marshfield, Reynolds men also contest crucial clashes with Westbury and Marlborough in the upcoming weeks and the Trowbridge skipper is delighted to see his team enter that gauntlet in rude health.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better day last weekend with us winning and both Westbury and Marlborough not getting many points,” said Reynolds.

“The gap at the top of the table has got bigger and that’s great because we’ve got three tough games coming up. Marshfield beat us on the first day of the season and then we play Westbury and Marlborough.

“We’ve spoke about enjoying ourselves and when we were batting last weekend, I could see that Tom Oakley was enjoying himself.

“He got his maiden century and really solidified his spot as an opening batsman alongside myself.

“We also didn’t have our overseas player (Andrea Agathangelou), which shows that we don’t rely on him, even though he’s pretty much the best player in the league, based on his stats.”

Trowbridge put their opponents in to bat first but Rob Palmer proved a thorn in their side as he hit a run-a-ball 120.

However, Palmer didn’t receive the required support from his Bedwyn team-mates and despite the hosts giving away 49 extras, they finished on 241-9.

Opener Tom Oakley spearheaded the Trowbridge run-chase with a mature unbeaten knock of 110, which included 12 boundaries.

He was supported by Reynolds (45) and Sam Julyan (35), with the hosts reaching 243-3 in 40 overs.

Elsewhere, second-placed Westbury slipped up at home as they were thrashed by nine wickets at the hands of Calne.

Alex Senneck’s men batted first but toiled. Jared McDonald and Ben Whiting led the way but only made 31 and 30 respectively as Westbury were skittled for 175 at the end of their innings.

Jordan Butler (97) and James Watson (71) then guided the visitors to 176-1 in the 30th over, with Calne moving off the bottom of the table to be replaced by Winsley.

Kevin Hendy’s side were beaten by Devizes, who took control thanks to Joe Wookey’s 102, Iain Kiy (50) also contributing as the visitors posted 290-6.

Charlie Holton and Robbie Cross (both 54) hit back but Winsley were dismissed for 211 in the 47th over.