WEPL Premier Two

Lechlade 151-8; Potterne 154-2

POTTERNE, the side who pipped Lechlade to the Glos/Wilts title in 2013, were the visitors to the Manor Ground on Saturday in a much-anticipated clash.

Potterne won the toss and had no hesitation in asking Lechlade to bat in overcast conditions on a damp pitch.

Dylan Higgins (1-28) and Jake Roberts (3-16) soon had the home side reeling at 12-3. At drinks, Lechlade had struggled to 50-4 at only two an over but when last week’s hero Brad Dial went soon after for 30 it was looking like an early finish.

However, Benny Ellis and Paul Godding set about giving the bowlers a total to bowl at. With some solid defence and then some judicious shots they took the total to 125 before Ellis (58), who had played an extremely mature innings, was well caught on the boundary. Godding (24) fell in the same manner but Lechlade managed to bat out their 50 overs and achieve a second batting point, reaching a total of 151-8.

While there was still some help in the pitch, the sun was out and batting was an easier proposition after tea. Tom Cullen hit a fluent 30 and with 56 on the board off 13 overs Potterne looked to be coasting to a quick win, but a run out followed by a wicket for off spinner Miles Hammond gave Lechlade hope. However, while the run rate slowed for a while none of the Lechlade bowlers could get a further breakthrough and Potterne ran out comfortable winners by eight wickets with Sahan Wijerathne (36*) and Ed Young (48*) undefeated.

While losing the toss didn’t help, Lechlade appreciate that life in Premier Two will be a challenge this season.

Losing to Potterne is no disgrace since they are currently top of the table and will be major challengers for Premier One status, although the scale of the defeat might cause some concern.

Nevertheless confidence is still buoyant and Lechlade will be looking to bounce back against Shapwick & Polden, again at home on Saturday.