Readers Glos CCL Div Four

Cirencester II 256-6

Ruardean Hill 232-4

CIRENCESTER seconds eased their relegation fears in Division Four as they completed a double over lowly Ruardean in The Park, winning a high-scoring contest by 24 runs.

Batting first, the Town were given a flying start by openers Andy Cooper and Andy Reynolds who put on 30 in three overs before the latter was well caught at slip for 14.

Fourteen-year-old Kit Penny helped Cooper keep up the momentum, hitting four boundaries in his 17 before he skied a catch, but Cooper was now finding the boundary at will and soon posted his half-century, supported by Dominic Jeffcott.

The total had reached 145-3 in the 29th over when he was caught at cover having hit a six and 17 fours in his 84.

Jack Roberts then made sure there was no let-up as he slammed a six and seven fours in a quick-fire 48, and although Jeffcott followed for a patient 32, the run charge continued in the closing overs as Rob Watson and Dick Tugwell both hit sixes to lift the final total to 256-6.

When Ruardean replied, John Turner bowled an accurate nine-over spell to take 2-27 as the visitors were restricted to 52-2 before a third wicket-stand of 88 between Yemm and Weavin pulled the visitors back into contention.

Penny then grabbed a vital wicket as he bowled Yemm for 70, and although Penson (39no) came in to provide valuable support to Weavin, Ruardean gradually slipped behind the run-rate against a deep-set field.

Weavin was eventually well caught by Jake Holmes for a sterling 87 in the final over from Tugwell.