THE CDCA league-topping merry-go-round of 2016 continues as yet another division leader was unceremoniously deposed in this week’s round of matches.

The crushing defeat of Sherston Magna at Oakridge allowed Oaksey to regain top spot, but only by a whisker from the chasing pack.

The highest scoring game was at Barnsley Park where visitors Oaksey made the most of being inserted on a decent pitch. Opener Tom Cook (54) and Ben Langridge (50) set the platform by building steadily then left the stage in time for the fireworks.

Hector Whitrow demolished the Barnsley attack as he smashed 104 not out in an estimated 35 deliveries including 12 huge sixes.

This included five sixes in a single Andrew Walker over, where only a leg-side delivery prevented the maximum. On the back of this onslaught, the visitors soared to an impressive 263-4 at the interval.

After tea, Andrew Walker’s day did not improve as he was out first ball of the innings to comfortably win the “thanks-for-coming award”.

However, with their superb chase of 247 last week fresh in their minds, the large total did not intimidate the remaining Barnsley batsmen and they set about the chase in impressive fashion.

A fine knock from Ed Alderman (87) supported by Rob Howard (32) gave them hope but a good opening spell from Dan Bye (2-18) followed by a wicket-taking spell from Ben Langridge (4-53) kept the hosts in check as they fell 44 runs short on 219-9.

Cricklade kept up the pressure on the leaders with a resounding victory over resurgent visitors Longborough & Sezincote.

Batting first, Longborough got off to a poor start by losing three early wickets. A recovery was led by brothers Josh Newbold (52) and Tom Newbold (33no) but once this partnership was broken by the wily Angelo Rigali (3-30), there was little else to come.

Tom Davies (5-29) bowled well both at the start and end of the innings with Longborough having to settle for a modest 143 all out.

After tea, the early loss of skipper Danny Lloyd did not deter the Cricklade top order from displaying their usual stroke-making skills.

Paul Paginton (59no off 57 balls) continued his recent run-fest and was backed up by aggressive knocks from Tom Davies (38) and Rhys Mills (30no off 14 balls) as the target was reached at 144-2 in only 18 overs.

The shock of the day was at Oakridge where the hosts bowled out league leaders Sherston Magna for a paltry 58 all out in 22 overs.

Only Ian Gould (27no) reached double figures as Richard Minchin (10-5-13-6) wreaked havoc.

After the break, the Oakridge openers Mark Robbins (30no) and skipper Ed Bryant (16no) took less than 12 overs to reach the target.

Prize for the shortest game of the day was won in another one-sided affair played out at South Cerney, where eight-man visitors Avening & Cherington were bowled out for just 40 in 18 overs.

Tim Sanderson with three wickets, Sam Catterall with two and Craig O’Keefe with two were the destroyers.

Hosts South Cerney chased the runs down in only six overs with Garrick Chivers (29no) achieving the rare feat of scoring faster than opening partner Jay Russell (12no).