WEPL Premier Two Glos/Wilts

Gloucester City Winget 215 all out Lechlade 182 all out

LECHLADE slumped to their first defeat of the season at Gloucester City Winget having seemingly been in a winning position.

The risk of storms prompted skipper Freddie Martin to put Gloucester in to bat first after winning the toss for Lechlade on Saturday.

A steady opening stand, against some fairly tight bowling from Joe Breet (0-15) and Liam Smith, was broken at 41 by Jock Jamieson-Black in his first over.

Tom Barnes then joined the attack and he bowled a real mixture, but he has a happy knack of taking wickets, and he managed to get the dangerous Sizwe Masondo (35) to sky an intended yorker.

A similar delivery accounted for Scott Montgomery and he then had Jordan Rouse trapped LBW. His 3-29 had helped reduce Gloucester to 126-6 after 33 overs and given him the second best strike rate in WEPL. Meanwhile, Jack Cowles was slowly building an innings, although Lechlade must have been quietly confident with the score at 167-8 going into the last five overs.

Cowles then took charge and reached 80 before being bowled in the last over by Smith (2-49). Smith ensured maximum bowling points with the aid of a brilliant one-handed catch on the boundary from Jamieson-Black. leaving Gloucester 215 all out.

Lechlade's reply looked to be well on course at 137-3 shortly after drinks but when skipper Martin edged the irrepressible Cowles to the keeper, Gloucester sensed their chance.

Some poor calling and a senseless run-out did not help their cause and the wickets tumbled but with Brad Dial reaching his 50 Lechlade were still in the game.

However, when Cowles (4-31) had Dial (54) caught at point the writing was on the wall and Lechlade slumped to a 33-run defeat.

It is difficult to assess this young Lechlade side after the first month of the season, but if they are to mount a challenge they will need to curb their admirable attacking instincts at times and learn to play to the match situation.