CHIPPING Sodbury came up 11 runs short against Cirencester in their latest WEPL Gloucestershire division outing, Craig Scully contributing a battling 70.

The former skipper was last man out, perishing to Tom Fullalove (5-51) as Sodbury just missed out on victory with an over remaining.

Plenty of batsmen got a start but no one else was able to play the supporting role required after the in-form Nick Wake (3-38) and Phil Lill (2-43) had earlier restricted Ciren to 231-9.

It was a better day for Sodbury 2nds who clinched their second win of the summer in Division Two of the Gloucestershire County League, overcoming their Gloucester City Winget counterparts by three wickets.

Harry Phillips (3-39) was the pick of the visitors attack as Winget reached 219-9 after winning the toss.

But Sodbury got to their target with two overs to spare, Jake Havard unbeaten on 57 after Winget failed to help their cause with an eye-watering 39 wides.

Sodbury thirds, meanwhile, battled hard but came off second best away to Wrington in Division Seven of the Bristol & District League.

Jay Penfold (44) and opener Mike Pearson (43) shone as Sodbury , who lost the toss, totalled 174-7 against one of the early favourites for promotion.

Wrington then eased to a fourth successive win to remain clear at the top of the table, Mike Clements unbeaten on 101.

There was better news for Sodbury 4ths in Division 11 where Richard Deane’s troops worked hard for a first victory of the summer – a 20-run home success against Long Ashton.

Steve Clapp (56) and Jamie Pearson (49) put on an unbroken stand of 98 for the sixth wicket, after earlier good work by opener Ali Scott (46), to help their side reach 218-5.

And Sodbury then showed good character in the field to emerge with an excellent victory, Clapp making another important contribution with three victims – including the scalps of top scorer Charlie Shaw-Tracey (70) and brother-in-law Jon Ball, a former Sodbury favourite who he caught and bowled for 29.

Veteran spinner Tony Garton (2-32 from eight) set the tone with an excellent opening spell while Scott (2-17) and Pearson (2-29 from eight) kept the pressure on to clinch a well-deserved victory.