CIRENCESTER thirds increased their lead at the top of Division Three of the CDCA League with a crushing 98-run win at Bibury thanks to a fine unbeaten century from James Battishill and accurate bowling from George Thrussell and Joel Frost who shared eight wickets.

Sweetfuels CDCA Div Three

Bibury 137 all out

Cirencester III 235-1

Kit Penny and Battishill gave Town a solid start before Penny was bowled for 29, but that brought Duncan Battishill in to partner his son James in an unbroken stand of more than 180 as the home bowlers toiled in vain.

James Battishill eventually came off with an unbeaten 105, including 15 fours and a six while Duncan was not out on 62 out of a total of 235-1 when the 40 overs elapsed.

James Binns (26) and G Wellman (43) put up stubborn resistance when Bibury replied but Thrussell (5-38) and Frost (3-24) gradually worked their way through the home batting as they were bowled out for 137.