WARMINSTER held their nerve to see off the spirited challenge of Glos/Wilts Division newcomers Apperley last weekend.

Tom Davie’s side got the new season underway with a trip to last season’s Gloucester Division champions and were made to work hard for their win, with victory arriving by a narrow six-run margin.

Warminster were put in to bat first after losing the toss and lost opener Ankit Shastri for a duck when he was caught and bowled by Lloyd Griffiths but skipper Davie stepped up and got his side motoring with a knock of 52.

Pete Hickerton weighed in with 64 to add further impetus to the visitors’ innings whilst Brandon Ward also got himself amongst the runs as he hit 43.

But Warminster’s lower order couldn’t offer up as much resistance to the hosts’ attack, with their final five wickets falling for just under 40 runs.

Apperley’s Richard West took 4-42 whilst George Wathen claimed three wickets as Davie’s men were skittled for 262 with two overs remaining.

Warminster did enjoy early success with the ball, accounting for their opponents’ first five wickets for just 79 runs.

But number three Thomas Rock remained a solid source of runs for Apperley as he stuck around, reaching a hefty 85 before he was finally dismissed.

Hugh Leeke (34) and James Thomas (26 not out) helped push the home side towards their target late on but two wickets apiece from Brandon ward, Ankit Shastri and skipper Davie were enough to ensure that Apperely came up narrowly short, all out for 256 midway through the final over of their innings.

Warminster take on newly-promoted opposition once again this Saturday when they take on Frenchay at Sambourne Road.

The Bristol outfit accounted for Chippenham last weekend, running out comfortable 99-run winners at home.