WITH TWO matches, including the clash between the top two Stow-on-the-Wold and Chedworth, falling victim to the recent heavy rain the focus was mainly on the other end of the table.

At Williamstrip Park, the struggling hosts were inserted on a soft pitch and found run-scoring extremely difficult against an accurate Sherston Magna attack led by Andy Pegg, who not only removed the main threat Mike Godwin but bowled his 10 overs at a cost of only nine runs.

The top and middle order contributed little and only a hard-hitting 41 from Bruce Currie prevented a complete embarrassment and took the hosts to 88 all out.

The main wicket-takers were James Kutchera (3-23) and Ian Gould (3-25). In reply, visitors Sherston had little trouble in chasing the target in 19 overs, losing only one wicket in the process, mainly thanks to a solid contribution from Andy Jarvis (34no)

Another struggling team, Oakridge, maintained consistency in turning out at Cricklade with fewer than 11 players yet again. After losing the toss and being asked to bat they quickly found themselves one down with star batsman Mark Robbins back in the hutch for a duck. Only Bradley Luker (16) reached double figures as the visitors collapsed to a paltry 31 all out. Angelo Rigali finished with magical figures of 5 for 3 off eight overs.

Cricklade wasted no time in knocking off the required runs thanks to 20 in seven balls from Mike Mabbatt.

Match of the day was at NATS where visitors Poulton II posted a competitive 151 all out after being inserted. Opener Jody Lawrence (60) provided the backbone and was well supported by Matt Coleman (26). For the hosts, Graham Bartlett (4-45) took the most wickets along with Rob Griffiths (3-39). After tea, NATS opener Andrew Phillips (69) was more circumspect than normal but held NATS together as they lost regular wickets at the other end. Skipper Will Spence weighed in with an important 25no as NATS crossed the finishing line with only two balls and three wickets to spare. For the visitors Joe Gardiner took 4-34.