Didcote bowls Cheltenham to sixth success
SAM Didcote’s burst of 5-23 from eight overs ensured a 38-run victory for Cheltenham who made it six from six away to Gloucester in a Covid Group F local derby in the Courage West of England Premier League.
The home side were well placed at 76-3, chasing 142 for what would have been a first win in this shortened season. But that was the signal for Didcote to turn the game, assisted by Luke Sellers (2-26), after Kieran Smith (27) had earlier top scored for Cheltenham, Ed Harby capturing 3-14.
Leaders Cheltenham now prepare to wrap up this shortened campaign, put in place only for the 2020 season because of the Coronavirus crisis, with a home date on Saturday against nearest rivals Thornbury who cruised past neighbours Rockhampton by five wickets.
The Rams were bowled out for 110 by Josh Riggs (3-23) and Danny Slade (2-13) before opener Ed Webb (37 not off 61) guided Thornbury to the spoils.
Dumbleton remain third following a six-wicket home success over Hatherley & Reddings, Ryan Kilmister (3-20) and Ed Bragg (3-37) shining with the ball before opener Tommy Boorman compiled a patient unbeaten 54 off 99 and Bragg thumped 51 off only 41 deliveries.
Corse & Staunton are also six from six in Covid Group H after a battling 21-run triumph away to Frocester II. Openers Matt Cox (76) and Kiran Chakraborty (24) dominated Corse’s challenge of 153-6 before Chakraborty (2-20) helped peg back the home side.
Corse complete their campaign with a trip on Saturday to second placed Cirencester who were 75-run victors at Bourton Vale where Oli Thornley (69) and Jono
Jamieson-black (52) found form.
Apperley, meanwhile, had to work hard for a two-wicket win at Cheltenham Civil Service, Mike Provis (57) and Richard West (40 not) steering the visitors to the points.
Knowle were trumped by 144 runs away to Bath II in Covid Group A despite skipper Oli Haynes’ 57 while in Covid Group B, Bristol edged Bishopston by 15 runs with Louie Shaw claiming 4-24 from seven.
Bristol West Indian Phoenix remain top of Covid Group G after dispatching Bristol II by seven wickets while Chris Phillips paved the way for Stapleton to defeat Golden Hill by seven wickets with a return of 4-20 off eight.
DUMBLETON and Frocester both suffered defeats on a day of disappointment in The Cricketer Village Cup quarter-finals.
Colwall were bowled out for just 124 by visitors Dumbleton who then came up nine runs short while Frocester suffered a 47-run reverse away to North Perrott.
Dan Holland was the bowling hero for Dumbleton with a return of 4-32 while Will Sharp (2-12) and Aditya Rai (2-22, all from eight) also shone with the ball.
But batting was just as tricky for Dumbleton who were always on the back foot after slipping to 38-5. Craig Baldwin top scored on 35 while skipper Adam Stuart was unbeaten on 29 when the final wicket fell.
Frocester, meanwhile, pegged North Perrott back to 161-8, Richie Cave (3-19 from seven) the pick of the attack.
The visitors were then well set at 93-4 but the innings fell away, particularly with the dismissal of opener Chris Whincup (69) who was the only batsman to really settle at the wicket.