WEPL Premier Two

Thornbury 245-9; Lechlade 268-9

LECHLADE fielded a rather makeshift team at Thornbury due to limited availability and late cry-offs but the good team spirit saw them through to a 23-run win.

Batting first they soon lost James Palmer and when prolific scorer Brad Dial was adjudged LBW for 10, with the score on 27, it was not looking good.

It was left to Joe Breet and Benny Ellis to mount a rescue and their stand of 91 in 96 balls took the total to 147 in the 31st over.

After Ellis (39) was caught behind, Breet took his score to 85 before being bowled.

Lechlade were delighted to see their skipper's return to form as he hit 14 fours and a six.

The team spirit then came to the fore with everyone chipping in; Kam Shah (18) and Tristan Hawkes (27) were particularly successful in adding 55 in only 22 minutes. A huge six from Luke Sellers helped his team to a final total of 268-9 in their 50 overs.

Tristan Hawkes and Sellers kept the Thornbury openers fairly quiet but it took the introduction of Breet to make the first breakthrough, having his opposite number caught at point by Oli Thornley.

Thornbury had advanced to 60 when Brad Dial had Luke Davis caught and bowled and in the next over Breet trapped Dan Davis LBW for 42. When Ellis also got an LBW decision with his first ball, Thornbury were in trouble at 91-4.

However, this brought together young brothers Marc and Dan Lezar who put together a partnership of 65 off 88 balls. Just when they were looking to threaten the Lechlade total Sellers came back into the attack and bowled Marc Lezar for a good 58. Dan Lezar (53) continued the good work but lost partners and when Sellers (3-53) had him caught by Breet the game was effectively over.

Some enterprising batting by the tail helped Thornbury to 245-9 but Lechlade ran out comfortable winners by 23 runs.