CHIPPING Sodbury battled hard before succumbing to a five-wicket home reverse against Corse and Staunton in the West of England Premier League's Gloucestershire division.

Sodbury, who won the toss, were all out for 206 with plenty of players establishing themselves in the middle without going on to play the long innings required.

Mason Poole (35) top scored with opener Jake Reed (32), Craig Scully (29) and skipper Jamie Rendell (25) also getting set only for visiting keeper Tim Dannatt to hold on to six catches.

The home side then made Corse toil for their success which was achieved in the penultimate over, spinner Phil Lill capturing 3-36 from ten with Dan Brown (2-33) and Ben Waldron (0-29 from ten) also catching the eye.

It was a tough day for Sodbury seconds who were dismissed for 102 away to Gloucestershire County League Division Two leaders Cam before sliding to a nine-wicket setback.

There was better news for Sodbury thirds who clinched a three-wicket win away to Bishopston 3rds in Division Seven of the Bristol and District League.

There were two wickets each for Charlie Walker and Mike Pearson, along with tight spells from Darren Bell and Callum Davidge, as Bish were pegged back to 225-7.

Sodbury’s reply began brightly thanks to openers Adam Febry (57) and Mike Pearson (45) with Jake Kirkham (24), Ed Holden (25) and Darren Bell (27 not out) then contributing to the victory.

Sodbury fourths enjoyed a three-wicket home triumph against their Winterbourne counterparts in Division 11.

Brothers Dan (1-15 from eight) and Aaron Morgan (2-24 from seven) shone as Winterbourne struggled to 164-7 ahead of Sodbury getting over the line thanks to Chris Young (29) and Dan Morgan (27 not).

On Sunday, meanwhile, Chipping Sodbury overcame Pucklechurch by 68 runs in the Village League, Jake Havard hitting 106.

* PHIL Lill raised the fabulous figure of £1,370 for the Meningitis Foundation of New Zealand after having his WG Grace-style beard shaved off.

The all-rounder, who has had his beard for two and-a-half years, was raising money in memory of his cousin Courtenay who died in January 2014.