LECHLADE seconds won a close encounter at Nationwide House on Saturday securing their win by just seven runs.

WEPL Wilts 2nd XI Div

Nationwide House II 214-9

Lechlade 221-8

Lechlade got off to a great start as their new opening pair of 14-year-old Jacob David-Ward and David Novais took the score to 98 before Novais was bowled for 39.

Nationwide having made the breakthrough then took full advantage and Lechlade suffered a mini-collapse as David-Ward (38), Riz Hassan and Nat Fernandes both for nought were all dismissed for the addition of just one run. Lechlade captain Charles Offord (72) with Nigel Vas and the Lechlade tail then steadied the ship closing on 221 off their 45 overs.

Nationwide in reply made steady progress with contributions from opener Thomas Hamilton (47) and Simon Marlow (38) but Stanley Vas (3-51) and Novais (3-46) allowed Lechlade to apply consistent pressure throughout the Nationwide innings to secure a win in a finish which went to the last over.

LECHLADE thirds suffered a heavy home defeat to Longborough and Sezincote by 82 runs. The visitors had posted 168 with Ian Smith taking 4-34. Lechlade were then bowled out for 86 with Iain Smart top scoring with 33 not out.