CHEDWORTH remain in pole position to win the Sweetfuels CDCA Division One title with two games to go after a comprehensive victory over visitors NATS.

NATS were invited to bat and were in decent shape after good knocks from Andrew Phillips (57) and Bob Phillips (37) but a breakthrough by Rajeev Marwaha (3-22) led to a collapse and John Watson (3-8) mopped up the tail to leave NATS on 132 all out. After tea Chedworth made short work of the target due to a brilliant innings from Henry Lait (103*) supported by Darryl Drinkwater (24*) as they finished the game in the 28th over.

With second-placed Stow-on-the-Wold not having a game Sherston Magna had an opportunity to close the gap. However, they lost their third game in a row, this time at home to Cricklade, to rule themselves out of the title race.

After being inserted Sherston set an inadequate total of 110 all out with Angelo Rigali (4-13) and Andy Lea (3-48) the main wicket-takers. After the resumption Cricklade set about their task with gusto and reached the target in the 19th over after some spectacular hitting from Mike Mabbatt who scored 47 in 19 balls including seven fours and three sixes.

After a frustrating season of many cancellations Adlestrop continued to put pressure on the top two with a one-sided win at home to struggling Poulton II.

With only 8 players available the visitors elected to bat but could only post 68 all out with opener Joe Gardiner (41) top-scoring. For Adlestrop Sam Keen (3-17) and Sam Rawlings (2-10) took the wickets.

In reply last year’s champions took only 11.2 overs to knock off the runs for a 20-point win, openers Adrian Vale (38*) and Matt Barnes (29*) both finishing not out.

Williamstrip lifted themselves off the bottom of the table after a good win in a tight game at home to Barnsley Beeches.

After being inserted the hosts posted a competitive 198-5 after their 40 overs. In reply visitors Barnsley lost a flurry of early wickets but a fine knock from J Odem (63), well supported by Bobby Denney (38) kept them in the hunt. The quest for quick runs led to wickets from M Berry (3-21) and Bruce Currie (3-34) as Barnsley fell 24 runs short on 175 all out.