PURTON were able to hold their nerve and secure an important 24-run victory over Calne to remain in the title-chase in the WEPL Wiltshire division.

A second-wicket stand of 156 from stand-in skipper Tom Bowler (69) and Deepak Ramani, who cruelly fell one-run short of his first century for the club, put the hosts in a good position as they closed on 295-9 off their 50 overs.

However, with Calne cruising 200 for the loss of just three wickets, courtesy of good scoring from Stuart Windsor (50) and Bhodi Johnston (94), Purton were on the ropes.

Purton were able to see themselves over the line as they skittled the final six batsman for a combined score of seven.

“It was a good result for us in what was a very good game of cricket in the end,” said Bowler.

“It was a very flat wicket and it was going well for us, we got 295 and thought that was going to be a match-winning total.

“I was really pleased for Deepak because he has been with the side for five years and never made a century, but has the ability to do it.

“They came out all guns blazing and lost the game really.

“At one stage they were 200-3 off of about 30 overs and had it in the bag but then their overseas player (Bhodi Johnston) started to smash it and got himself out and they went on a downward spiral from there on.

“Even at that stage you thought that they should still win it, but we had a chance and myself and our overseas player Xander (Pitchers) got a couple of quick wickets and then the momentum swung in our favour.

“We were very concerned at one point but we didn’t give up because it is not over until it is over in this league and the whole team showed great character.”