Painswick on the verge of title triumph

PAINSWICK are all but champions of WEPL’S Gloucestershire division and heading for promotion after being made to work hard for a three-wicket home win over Tewkesbury with Keegan Jansen Van Rensburg again central to the team’s success.

Captain Jack Hobbis (3-49) was the pick of the attack as Tewkesbury were bowled out for 225 after winning the toss.

Van Rensburg then took charge of Painswick’s reply, compiling his fourth league century of a summer to remember before he was run out for 125 off 138 (15 fours, three sixes) with only one run needed, Matt Connolly (33) the next highest scorer.

Nearest rivals Dumbleton romped in by seven wickets at Charlton Kings who were rumbled for 140, Will Sharp capturing 4-30.

Painswick wrap up their campaign on Saturday away to Cirencester while Dumbleton are home to Bourton Vale, who romped past relegated Apperley by 121 runs, Ryan Hill taking 5-45.

Opener Johnny Griffiths was held three short of a century for Frocester II and Aaron Tuck claimed 4-28 in a 112-run home pounding of Gloucester.

Relegated Rockhampton saw off Cirencester by 36 runs, Chris Willoughby and Cameron Brown taking three wickets apiece after Jonnie Gunn had earlier struck with 5-39.

Frocester, meanwhile, edged closer to the Premier Two Glos/wilts title and promotion after cruising past Hatherley & Reddings by 61 runs, Uzi Qureshi unbeaten on 109.

Gareth Roderick’s second successive century paved the way for Cheltenham to dispatch Burbage & Easton Royal by 200 runs, but Corse & Staunton slipped to a 78-run home reverse against Corsham and relegation-battling Stroud went down by one wicket at Goatacre despite fine spells from Islamnabi Ahmadzai (5-54) and Northamptonshire leg spinner Alex Russell (3-34 from 10).