Afternoon off enough to seal top spot as the rain comes down

» HATHERLEY & Reddings’ trip to Frocester was washed out but the six points were enough to seal thewest of England Premier League Gloucestershire Division title and promotion.

With three rounds of games to go, Owen Price’s side are 74 points clear of nearest rivals Corse & Staunton and heading back to tier two after being relegated in 2017.

Wet weather wreaked havoc on matches across the region and only one result was possible in this division with Rockhampton edging Cirencester in a reduced-overs contest.

There were four finishes in Premier One, including a six-wicket home reverse for newcomers Cheltenham against Taunton St Andrews.

Saints, in the process, moved off the foot of the table to be replaced by Bristol who succumbed by six-wickets at title favourites Potterne, and Bedminster remain third despite a 46-run defeat at Bridgwater.

Thornbury, meanwhile, strengthened their bid for a long-awaited return to Premier One with a four-wicket triumph away to Biddestone in Premier Two Glos/wilts.

Luke Davis’ side were only two points ahead of nearest rivals Chippenham in the battle for the one promotion place but surged 14 clear thanks to their fifth win in a row.

Chippenham, meanwhile, were 136 for eight at home to Frocester when play had to be abandoned.

But this race appears set to go right down to the final Saturday, when Thornbury – who were relegated from Premier One in 2011 – host Chippenham.

Dan Holland shone in Dumbleton’s 77-run home success over Trowbridge, top scoring on 99 and bagging three for 22 off eight overs.