Narrow defeat Cheltenham edged out in season’s opener
CHELTENHAM’S return to the West of England Premier One ended in a two-wicket defeat by Potterne at the Victoria Ground, writes Tom Quinton.
Newly captain Nick Evans missed the game through injury meaning Kieran Smith took charge, however his team were soon in trouble at 16-5.
Josh Breed (80) rebuilt Cheltenham’s innings as they reached 165-7 from their 50 overs.
Cheltenham got off to a promising start with the ball as Potterne slipped to 9-2 then 51-3.
Sam Didcote (4-32) came close to bowling Cheltenham to victory when he had Jake Goodwin (61) caught with a further 32 runs needed for victory but the Potterne lower order stood firm as they crossed the line in the 38 th over.
In the Glos/wiltshire division,
Dumbleton lost by 15 runs to Chippenham.
Chippenham fell to 70-2 before Peter Hickerton (78) and Ralph Hardwick (72) set the hosts 237 for victory, Will Sharpe (4-44) starring for Dumbleton.
Hardwick (3-36) then took two early wickets to leave Dumbleton reeling on 11-2 but Mitch Hammond (52) and Edd Bragg (32) got the innings on track but Hardwick returned to dismiss Scott Tremain (38) as Dumbleton were bowled out for 221.
It was a day to forget for the promoted clubs to the Gloucestershire division with Painswick and Corse & Staunton bowled out for under 100 in defeats by Gloucester and Rockhampton.
Tewkesbury beat Cheltenham Civil Service by five wickets.
Adrian Mayes (61) was the mainstay of the Service innings as they closed on 197-7, Adam Brookes (3-32) the pick of the bowlers before a 70 run fifth-wicket stand between Tom Allcoat (51*) and Alex Oliver (46) eased Tewkesbury to victory.
Cirencester beat Frocester II by six wickets. Will Helmke (55) was the mainstay of the Frocester innings as Jock Jamieson-black (3-35) pegged back the middle order.
A 95-run third wicket stand between brothers Jamie (62*)and Jono (47) Jamieson-black saw Cirencester cruise over the line in the 42nd over.
Hatherley & Reddings got off to a winning start as they recorded a fourwicket victory over Bourton Vale.
Vale lost regular wickets on their way to 179-9, and Hatherley made light work of the chase as they registered a win inside 30 overs.