THORNBURY slipped closer to the relegation zone after falling to a fourth successive defeat at title-chasing Bridgwater.

Juvaunie Gayle continued his fine form by scoring 98 to help Thornbury reach a competitive total, but the hosts chased down their target with 11 balls to spare thanks to an unbeaten century by Callum Haggett.

Thornbury now head into a crucial encounter this Saturday at home to Taunton St Andrews, who are three points behind them and lie one place off the bottom.

Steven Ford was the first Thornbury batsman to fall for eight and his opening partner Sam Bracey followed for 12 at Bridgwater.

Skipper Richard Trotman hit a brisk 24 off 15 balls with all of his runs coming in boundaries, but when he departed Thornbury were on 67-3.

Gayle then shared 155 for the fourth wicket with Wayne Kylander, hitting 13 fours and three sixes before falling two runs short of a century.

Kylander was removed shortly afterwards for 68 off 67 balls and Greg Stephens only made six before he was dismissed with Curtis Blakemore (5*) and Joe Maiden (8*) taking Thornbury through to the end of their innings.

Gayle opened the bowling and removed Merv Hallaran for a duck.

Trotman (2-22) bowled the other opening batsman, Michael Coles, for 24, and then Mitchell Windsor (46), who shared 66 with Haggett.

Greg Mallitte trapped Steve Davis lbw to leave Bridgwater on 150-4, but that was the last wicket to fall as Stuart Butt (24*) helped Haggett (100*) over the finish line.