THORNBURY slipped to the bottom of the table for the first time this season with just two games remaining after losing to relegation rivals Taunton St Andrews on Saturday.

The South Gloucestershire side are now six points adrift of safety and face a daunting trip to title-chasing Frocester this Saturday before playing Downend at home on the final day of the season.

After being put into bat in a game that was reduced to 44 overs per side due to rain, Thornbury made a dreadful start and were reduced to 1-2 after openers Nick Stovold (1) and Steven Ford (0) were removed by Michael Parsons.

Juvaunie Gayle soon followed them back to the pavilion when he was caught off the bowling of Lloyd Alley for one and Kanishka Edirisuriya went first ball to Parsons, leaving the score on 15-4.

Wayne Kylander hit a brisk 22 before he became Parsons’ fourth victim as Thornbury fell to 32-5.

Gloucestershire second team wicketkeeper-batsman Sam Bracey then added 117 with Greg Stephens for the sixth wicket to lift Thornbury before another flurry of wickets.

Stephens fell first for 56 off 76 balls after hitting six fours and three sixes and Curtis Blakemore went next ball for a golden duck, both off the bowling of Ben Pitkin.

Only two more runs were added to the total when Bracey was caught by Keith Parsons off Alley for 50 from 99 balls.

Joe Maiden smashed two sixes in a quick-fire 15 before falling to former Somerset all-rounder Keith Parsons, but number 11 Greg Mallitte struck an unbeaten 12 off seven balls, with Hamish Reeves unbeaten on seven as Thornbury finished their innings with a flourish.

Gayle (2-25) had both Brian Hoyle and Jacob Lintott caught behind by Hamish Reeves for two to lift Thornbury’s spirits more.

Reeves was in the action again when he stumped Keith Parsons (16) off Mallitte to leave the visitors on 83-3.

However, James Trundley smashed 104 not out off just 92 balls to lead Taunton home, with Kevin Parsons also remaining unbeaten on 55 from 53 deliveries.