THE SweetFuels CDCA Division One top-of-the-table clash between Chedworth and visiting Stow-on-the-Wold ended in a decisive victory for the hosts who leapfrog Stow to take over at the top.

Stow were invited to bat and initially capitalised on a good track to reach 82-1 at the halfway point with good knocks from Max Fisher (45) and skipper Ash Andrews (35). From then on it was all downhill for the visitors as a devastating spell of bowling from Jamie Lait (6-12) saw them lose their last nine wickets for only 19 runs and stagger to an inadequate 101 all out. In reply, Chedworth wasted no time in chasing down the target in only 15.5 overs as opener Jamie Lait followed his bowling heroics with a rapid 39 off 31 balls to set up the victory.

Plenty of fireworks were seen at Oakridge where David Bray produced an astonishing knock of 233 not out hitting 31 fours and nine sixes along the way.

Opening partner Danny Lloyd perfected the act of getting off strike as he played the anchor role, scoring 52. This combination proved devastating as visitors Cricklade racked up 329-2 in their 40 overs. Faced with an impossible task the hosts lost the inevitable early wicket but eventually reached respectability on 182-6 with Martin Smith left unbeaten on 94.

At Adlestrop Park, visitors Barnsley Beeches were seriously depleted turning out with only eight players. Their highlight was winning the toss and batting as things then went from bad to worse with three early wickets leading to a total collapse and a final total of 36 all out.

Nick Keen (3-8) was the pick of the home bowlers and was well backed up by Sam Rawlings (2-14). Faced with this paltry total reigning champions Adlestrop did not falter and took only eight overs to finish the match.

Sherston Magna kept their title challenge alive with a comfortable win over Williamstrip at Pinkney Park. The hosts set a target of 163-9 which proved to be 70 runs too many for the visitors.

NATS consolidated their mid-table position with an easy win away at struggling Poulton II.

The hosts ground out a total of 84-7 off their allotted 40 overs with opener Rob Griffiths producing impressive figures of 2-6. NATS knocked off the runs in less than 20 overs for the loss of only two wickets with Stuart Phillips (41) the main run-scorer.