IN THE only Cotswold & District Cricket Association match at the weekend to escape the weather Chedworth maintained their good start to the season with a win at Oakridge.

The visitors were invited to bat and posted a competitive 187-8 in an innings dominated by another fine batting display from Jamie Lait.

When the wicket of opener Darryl Drinkwater (22) fell after a typical solid display and an opening stand of 103 Lait was already on 75.

Lait continued to dominate hitting 17 fours and a six and was fourth out for an outstanding 125 off 103 balls with the score on 166.

The other Chedworth batsmen struggled with the conditions and wickets fell regularly as the innings petered out to 187-8.

For the hosts Byron Williams (3-18) and Stuart Ridge (3-44) returned the best figures.

After tea a flurry of early wickets dented the home hopes and a period of rebuilding ensued. The experienced Martin Smith played the role to perfection by defending the good balls and putting away the bad.

A partnership of 88 with Stuart Ridge (19) put the hosts within touching distance of a win but three wickets in quick succession, the last man at the other end and two overs left, gave Smith no option but to go for the runs himself. This led to his downfall for an excellent 118 (off 116 balls) and left the nine-man hosts bemoaning the absence of a full team.