IT was mission accomplished for Wiltshire on a wet and windy weekend as the Moonrakers kept themselves afloat in the A Division of the county championship.

Manager John Groom set his players the sole target of survival, and they achieved their goal in fine style with two wins from four pool matches.

Ex-Marlborough forward Matt Philpott, who now plays for Racing Club De France in Paris, was the star for Wiltshire, scoring seven goals over two days of intense competition at Chippenham Hockey Club.

Philpott scored against Devon in the tournament opener, but couldn't prevent Wiltshire slipping to a 3-1 defeat.

He hit a hat-trick in the 4-2 victory over rivals Gloucestershire, when Taunton Vale's Charlie Rutherford was also on the scoresheet.

Philpott was at it again on Sunday, netting twice to give the hosts a 3-1 win over Norfolk. Bath Buccs' Matt Collison also scored.

Winners Warwickshire beat Wiltshire 7-1 in the pool finale, with Philpott again on target.

County chief Groom said he was delighted with the performance of his young side.

He said: "This weekend represented a progressive step for men's senior hockey in Wiltshire.

"Not only did we maintain our A Division status, but we were in contention for the semi-finals right up until the last game.

"When you consider Wiltshire does not boast a National League team it's an exceptional achievement based on team work and effort."

Wiltshire finished third in their pool and Groom is hoping for an even better return next year.

He said: "What is most satisfying is that seven of the current team are under the age of 21, so in the next couple of seasons we should be in a position to compete even more effectively."