CIRENCESTER seconds hit their highest score of the season in amassing a total of 231-6 in their clash against Sheepscombe, but it was still not enough to clinch a much-needed win as the visitors eased home by five wickets.

Readers Glos CCL Div Four

Cirencester II 231-6

Sheepscombe 232-5

Batting first, the Town began brightly adding 24 for the first wicket before skipper Jimmy Woodcock drove a catch to cover and was out for 17. Toby Bond was next to go trapped leg before for 20, and when George Thrussell and Alex Binnie both fell cheaply the innings looked to be faltering at 86-4.

Dominic Jeffcott and Rob Lamble then put on 67 for the fifth wicket, and with the visitors conceding extras galore the total began to rise rapidly. Jeffcott was caught and bowled for 27, but Lamble went on to complete a maiden half-century for the side including a six and eight fours.

Jake Holmes gave Town an early glint of hope after tea as he caught and bowled Walsh for 11, but Sheepscombe were clearly up for the challenge and began to score freely through Grellier and Horder.

Dick Tugwell’s flight put a brake on the charge and when he bowled Horder for 40 and Thrussell had Grellier caught behind by Binnie for 33, it seemed a breakthough was on the cards, but although Lamble came on to rattle Trow’s stumps with a superb delivery that was where the fightback began to fade.

Collins and Joy played with calm authority to amass a crucial century stand and although Holmes returned to have the latter caught for 47, Collins quickly drove the winning boundary to finish unbeaten on 67 as the target was passed with three overs in hand.