STROUD are still looking for a first win following a four-wicket home reverse against Burbage & Easton Royal despite captain Tom Horrell’s 74.

On losing the toss, Stroud were asked to bat. A change in the batting order brought excellent results and skipper Horrell blazed away in typical style with most batsmen contributing, the score was pushed along on a good pitch to a creditable 253-6 with Louis Gegg (33) and Paul Frape smashing a run a ball 53.

Stroud started brightly, Will Golding removing opener Johnathan Chandler after four balls for a duck, caught behind by Louis Gegg. Stroud were turning the screw and had their visitors in trouble when Gegg's sharp gloves stumped Rhys Davis off Gavin Dean.

However, captain Dan Cope steadied the Burbage & Easton Royal ship - clubbing an imperious and undefeated 103 to see Burbage & Easton Royal home despite late heroics from James Job, who picked up the wickets of Daniel Wootton (51), Herb Berridge (1) and Adam Lavis (4).

Stroud bagged eight points from the defeat and with more players available for next week’s trip to Thornbury, competition for places is starting to kick in.