CHIPPING Sodbury moved up to third in the WEPL’s Gloucestershire division thanks to a three-wicket home win over high-flying Cheltenham Civil Service.

The visitors, who lost the toss, had to battle their way to 206-9 from their 50 overs thanks to some good lines by the Sodbury attack.

Spinner Nick Wake led the way with a return of 5-45 from nine with Mason Poole (2-49), Phil Lill (1-26 from ten), Ben Waldron (1-26 from seven), Jon Toghill (0-22) and skipper Jamie Rendell (0-32 from ten) combining well.

In reply, Sodbury were in a bit of trouble at 23-2 but opener Tom Nightingale (34) steadied the ship before a big stand between Rob Mozelewski (61) and Rendell (58) swug proceedings.

It was another good day as well for Sodbury 2nds who remain second in Division Three of the Gloucestershire County League thanks to a 61-run win away to Shurdington.

Opener Tom Makepeace (65) and skipper Jerry Swatton (37) led the way in a challenge of 258 before the home side were restricted to 197-6, Richard Lane finishing with the fine figures of 3-16 from nine, being well supported by Tom Clay (2-39) and Jack Philpott (0-29 from eight).

Simon Vooght, meanwhile, top scored with 115 for Sodbury 3rds who reached 235-9 at home to Bishopston 3rds in Division Seven of the Bristol & District League. But the target was well within reach for the visitors who completed a nine-wicket win.

Sodbury 4ths battled hard before suffering a 35-run defeat in Division 11 away to Keynsham 3rds who totalled 252-7, Mark Graham reining in the home side with a haul of 4-15 from four.

Graham then top scored with 79 and Sam Makepeace contributed 34 while there was 28 from skipper for the day Chris Young.

It was even tighter in Division 16 as Chipping Sodbury 5ths came up three runs short at home at Hillesley against Thornbury 4ths.

Jim Kendall (3-33), Wade Campling (2-22) and James Millett (2-42) combined to restrict the visitors to 142-8.

And Sodbury very nearly got there only to fall just short, Millett hitting 32 in a valiant team display.