SWINDON opener Marc Williamson insisted his side were pleased with their performance against Lechlade, despite a 61-run defeat to the Glos/Wilts Division champions-elect on Saturday.

Lechlade, who are now 22 points clear at the summit with three games of the season remaining, had Bradley Dial and Paul Godding to thank for posting a daunting total of 284-6 from their 50 overs, and Swindon were unable to get close as they reached 223-9 in reply before the close.

Dial hit 94 not out from only 64 balls, including seven boundaries and six sixes, and Godding racked up 70, as Dave Miles claimed four wickets in the Lechlade innings.

In response, Williamson made his highest score of the season, 79, before falling to Dial, while Paul Paginton contributed 48, but the home side were unable to overall the table-toppers’ total.

Williamson revealed contentment in the home dressing room afterwards, however, telling the Advertiser: “Overall we aren’t too disappointed. Lechlade are a very good team and in all likelihood they are going to go up. We didn’t embarrass ourselves, we did well to be honest.

“Personally it was quite satisfying, to be honest. I’ve had quite a lean season and I’ve been finding stupid ways to get myself out. It was nice to help the team out for once.”

Swindon now look likely to be fighting it out for second place, with Rockhampton currently occupying that spot boasting a 22-point advantage on the County Ground side.

Regardless of whether they finish second, third or fourth, however, Williamson feels it has been a successful campaign.

He said: “Coming up last season, we weren’t really sure going into the season how we were going to do. Mid-table mediocrity was seen as a good season. As it’s gone on we’ve adjusted our sights and, while promotion was a bit of a dream, second, third or fourth would be a really good season.

“We do have quite a young team and if we can add one or two faces over the winter and retain Vib (Yadav) or Matt (Kidd) then we’re definitely looking up.”

Meanwhile, Lechlade captain Joe Breet said: “It was a workmanlike performance by the lads and I think on balance we deserved the win.”