CIRENCESTER clinched the runners-up spot in Division One of the county league with a resounding 10-wicket victory over Birdlip in the final league game of the season on Saturday.

Readers Glos CCL

Birdlip & Brimpsfield 118 all out

Cirencester 119-0

Put in to bat on a damp pitch, Birdlip scored freely early on taking 24 runs off Rob Lamble’s opening three overs before Billy Breen's pace accounted for Smith, who miscued a catch to Tony Wood.

Shetti and Green continued to thrive in a burgeoning partnership before Shetti was caught off Simon Rowe for 40 (69-2) and at 87-2 off 16 overs, the home side looked like setting the Town a formidable target.

The introduction of Gareth Williams’ off-spin quickly paid dividends, however, and once he trapped Green leg-before for 43 the rot set in as the Birdlip middle order crumbled.

Andy Cox bowled a tight nine-over spell which brought him a wicket and Williams went on to take three more to finish with 4-8 from his seven overs.

The return of Breen, who had earlier produced a smart run-out, spelled the end of the home resistance as he finished with 3-31 to send Birdlip sliding to 118 all out in the 31st over.

When the Town replied, Will Mason was instantly in typical hard-hitting form as he began to flay the bowling to all parts with a succession of blistering boundaries.

Mason smashed five fours and no fewer than seven sixes, three off them in successive balls, in his unbeaten 76, while Williams, scoring freely if less explosively, rounded off a highly successful season with 38 not out including seven fours, as victory was secured with nearly 30 overs in hand.