Gloucester & Forest of Dean U14 (153-8) lost to Stroud & South Gloucestershire U14 (154-8) by two wickets

STROUD and South Gloucestershire (SSG) survived the loss of three late wickets to record a win over Gloucester and the Forest of Dean.

The visitors chased down their 153 target with two-and-a-half overs to spare after James Parsons (18*) of Rockhampton held his nerve to see his side home.

Earlier GFOD lost wickets at regular intervals but their innings was held together by Newent’s Max Timothy, who made 37, and Kerry Powell (Ruardean Hill), who hit a quick-fire 40 from 36 balls coming in at number eight.

The wickets were shared around for SSG with Kieran Slade (3-20) of Winterbourne and Sam Williams (2-18) of Thornbury the pick of the bowlers.

The visitors lost an early wicket but put themselves into a dominant position through a 54-run partnership between Ollie Humphries (26) of Almondsbury and Tom Wheeler (38) of Hambrook.

After slipping from 76-1 to 109-5, Parsons and Thornbury's Tom Price (18) ensured their side remained on course with a vital 32-run partnership.

SSG lost three late wickets but held on to claim a hard-fought victory.