THORNBURY must beat Downend on Saturday and hope other results go in their favour to avoid a quick return back to Premier Two.

A sixth consecutive defeat at title-chasing Frocester has left them bottom of the table and 17 points adrift of safety with one game left to play.

With ten points available for a win, Thornbury must also gain enough bonus points to stand a chance of staying up and hope that Weston, Corsham and Bristol lose.

A five-wicket haul from former Gloucestershire all-rounder Mark Hardinges saw them bowled out cheaply at Frocester.

James Shackleton removed opening batsmen Joe Maiden (8) and Hamish Reeves (0) to leave the visitors on 13-2.

Wayne Kylander (30) and Richard Trotman (28) tried to steady the ship but they were both victims of Hardinges, who also removed Juvaunie Gayle (10), Sam Bracey (19) and Steven Ford (6).

Thornbury lost their last five wickets for just six runs.

Kylander (3-29) took three early wickets in Frocester’s innings as they stumbled to 24-3.

Juvaunie Gayle (2-24) then dismissed Ashley Davies and Hardinges in quick succession to leave Frocester on 48-5 before Greg Mallitte (2-14) took two wickets to set up a thrilling finish at 76-7.

However, Shackleton hit 26 not out off 32 balls to edge Frocester over the line.