DEVON won’t be playing it safe against Wiltshire at Salisbury as they chase a second successive Cluberly Western Division One title.

Third-in-the-table Wiltshire (52pts) are the only team in the five-strong division capable of catching Devon (58) in the final batch of matches. Second-placed Oxfordshire (56) have no games left.

Devon know a draw would probably be enough to secure the divisional crown for the second year running, which is an insurance policy should the weather play a significant role.

Devon are already through to the last four of the white-ball Twenty20 competition having defeated Buckinghamshire in the Super12s round at Exeter earlier this month. And they were joint second in the 50-ball cup qualifying round, only to miss out on the last four on net run rate.

Tim Western, the county club’s performance director, said Devon have got where they are this season playing positive cricket. That won’t change against Wiltshire.

“We have built momentum through consistent, high-quality cricket all season,” said Western.

“What has impressed is how contributions have come from across the squad. There is real inter-dependence, togetherness and belief in the group.

“Although a draw might enough to secure the title, that’s not our mindset. We are going to Salisbury to win the game and finish the campaign on our terms.

“It would be a massive achievement for this group to retain the Western Division One title.”

Wiltshire go into the game fresh from defeating Berkshire, who had only lost twice before in the past 12 seasons, during which they have dominated one and three-day cricket in the Western Division. Devon had no game in the last round.

Western is respectful of Wiltshire but confident of his side’s abilities.

“Wiltshire are a strong side and their result this week against Berkshire underlines that,” he said. “Our focus is on our own standards.

“This is just another game for this still young group whose average age is just under 24. It is part of an exciting journey but we will stay present and focus ball-by-ball over the three days.”

Exmouth all-rounder Cam Kidd comes in for the unavailable James Matravers in the only change to the side.

“Cam brings talent, desire and energy in all three aspects of the game,” said Western.

Wiltshire: J M A Mynott, C A Shafil, W L Naish, E G C Young, J B Lintott, J Goodwin, T C C Cheater, C D Aubrey, S P S F Freestone, A Pascoe, J M King.

Devon: E H Hamilton, S J Elstone, J D Horler, B H Privett, S J Linnitt, C G Kidd, S O Read, C F Harvey, M W Thompson, G H Daldorph, M G Whalley.