Wednesday 13th June 2018
The next team to feature in our Celebrating Success series is Royal Wootton Bassett Town's Sunday team, who finished as Swindon Sunday League Division Two champions in their inaugural season.
Swindon Sunday League Division Two Champions 2017-18
In their first season of play, Royal Wootton Bassett Town's Sunday side romped to the Swindon Sunday League Division Two title, finishing their season with just one defeat and an astounding +120 goal difference.
The team brought together a mix of players who had previously played for Bassett at all levels, be it in the youth section, senior section or, in some cases, both.
It proved to be a winning combination all season long.
A Ryan Thomas hat-trick punctuated an opening day 7-0 triumph against Nationwide. They would be held to a 4-4 draw by Croft Juniors in their second fixture, but answered that with three straight wins by a combined scored of 33-0.
Jack Duckers scored four times in a 11-0 thrashing of Stratton Saints before Lewis Petrie struck the same number in a 9-0 win against Save on Tyres Athletic. Petrie and Danny Hale then both scored five as Wanborough were beaten 13-0.
Their lone defeat of the season followed as early pacesetters Eldene triumphed 2-0. That was the start of a tricky three game spell that saw Save on Tyres defeated narrowly by the odd goal in five and a 2-2 draw against Highworth Town.
But Bassett's free-scoring ways returned at the start of January. Croft were defeated 8-0 before Sam English, Josh Morse and Petrie all netted braces in a 8-1 win against Purton Red House.
After beating Athletico Marlborough 4-1, there were thrashings of Swindon Athletic (10-1) and Nationwide (12-2).
Bassett were therefore in fine form as they went into the rematch against Eldene. And the leaders were thumped 8-0, Morse leading the way with a hat-trick.
By now Bassett were in pole position for the title, though things were still tight enough that they couldn't afford to take their foot off the gas.
Their blistering form continued in the final, busy weeks of the campaign. Swindon Athletic (10-0), Athletico Marlborough (5-1), Highworth (2-0), Stratton Saints (5-0), Rudis (6-1), Purton (8-2) and Rudis (4-0) were all seen off, most of the wins being earned in style and with ease.
Defeat for Eldene against Croft then confirmed Bassett's deserved title
In all, the team scored 139 goals, with five players – Hale (30), Petrie (25), Morse (16), Duckers (14) and Thomas (10) – all netting double figures in the league. Marcus Hall also scored ten in all competitions, with two of his coming in the cup.
Last modified on Wednesday 13th June 2018 at 19:06.
