WEPL Premier Two Glos/Wilts

Lechlade

Warminster 48-6 in 21.5 overs

LECHLADE will play in Premier One of the West of England League next season after clinching the Premier Two Glos/Wilts division as champions.

They were denied the chance to cross the line in style when rain brought an end to their Manor Ground match with Warminster with the visitors rocking on 48-6.

But after the teams had left the ground, news filtered through that title rivals Cheltenham and Rockhampton both lost, despite being set gettable targets, which left Lechlade untouchable at the top.

This has been a fantastic all-round effort from a very young team. Particular praise should go to 20-year-old skipper Freddie Martin who has led his side with great skill and, just as importantly, considerable dignity and sportsmanship.

He has always had the confidence to trust the very young players, and this was again the case on Saturday when he threw the ball to 15-year-old Harvey Jupp rather than rely on his more experienced spinners.

Jupp repaid the confidence from his skipper by ripping through the Warminster batting as they failed to come to terms with his left arm spin. In 4.5 overs he took 4-15 before the rain arrived.

Earlier, Liam Smith lured Mark Coxon-Tenty into a drive in his first over and Brad Dial, at second slip, launched himself at 45 degrees to take a brilliant catch.

Smith and Martin tied Warminster down but after 12 overs Jupp was given the chance to do his stuff.

At the other end Tom Barnes again showed his ability to take wickets with his 16th of the season. At 48-6 the Warminster innings was in tatters but the savage storm which followed ruled out any possibility of the game resuming.

Jupp was denied the chance of his first five-wicket haul in the league but has certainly moved on from 'promising' status.

Champions Lechlade travel to Rockhampton on Saturday for their final match of the season.