Keegan Petersen’s batting heroics failed to save winless Stroud who suffered a three-wicket defeat at Corsham, writes Steve Hill.

Petersen smashed 117 and reached his ton of 106 balls, including 12 fours and one six.

Chris Job (40) offered Petersen support as Stroud finished on 209 all out after skipper Tom Horrell had one the toss. Martin Roberts bagged five wickets for Corsham.

In reply, Corsham posted a winning total of 209 for the loss of seven wickets - Simon Crampton finishing on 57 not out. James Job and Chris Job picked up two wickets apiece as did Islamnabi Ahmadzai and all-rounder Petersen snaffled one.

Elsewhere, Mike Teague finished with fine figures of 6-15 from ten as Cheltenham Civil Service completed an 81-run win away to fellow strugglers Tewkesbury in the Gloucestershire division of the Courage West of England Premier League.

The visitors totalled only 168, rallying from a sticky 78-7 thanks to Will Fell’s unbeaten 50 and 18 from Teague as Tom Allcoat captured 4-45.

And Teague then led the charge with the ball as Tewkesbury folded to 87 all out, Fell supporting with 2-30 off eight.

At the other end of the table, leaders Hatherley & Reddings stretched their unbeaten record with a 121-run home triumph over nearest rivals Bourton Vale.

Tom Hage was unbeaten on 94 for Hatherley while Max Kelly shone with the ball, returning 4-29 from ten.

Mark Beale’s return of 5-12 from four saw Rockhampton to a 151-run home hammering of Painswick while Cirencester edged Frocester 2nds by three wickets and Corse & Staunton overcame Gloucester by seven wickets, Matt Cox top scoring on 91.

The Premier One title race was thrown wide open by Bedminster’s exciting two-wicket defeat of Bath, a result which allowed Potterne to jump into pole position and Bridgwater to go second.

Bridgwater cruised in by ten wickets at home to Bristol who were skittled for 86 and slipped to the foot of the table while Potterne eased past Cheltenham by nine wickets.

Matt Jackson, meanwhile, was in outstanding form for Downend, thumping 92 and taking 3-29 from ten in a 32-run triumph away to promoted Lansdown.

Winterbourne completed a thrilling five-run home win over Keynsham to return to the top of Premier Two Bristol/Somerset, taking advantage of leaders Taunton Deane’s slip up at Ilminster.

Skipper George Ford top scored on 69 for the village side and there was a wicket on debut for Hampshire and Southern Vipers off-spin all-rounder Fi Morris (1-23 from ten).

Bishopston remain third after digging deep for an equally exciting one-wicket triumph away to bottom side Shapwick & Polden off the last ball.

It appeared to be curtains for the Bristol side at 185-9, still needing another 73 for the spoils, only for captain Frank Connelly (36) and last man and recent recruit Dan Harris (39) to pull a memorable result out of the hat.

Thornbury lost ground at the top with a three-wicket home defeat against Goatacre in Premier Two Glos/Wilts while leaders Chippenham thumped Dumbleton by 189 runs and Frocester were rushed out for 84 and an eight-wicket setback at Biddestone.

In Bristol & North Somerset, Brislington boosted their hopes of avoiding the drop with a seven-wicket win away to fellow strugglers Frenchay.

Bristol 2nds remain in pole position following a 142-run home victory over struggling Timsbury and Bath 2nds emerged 104-run home winners against Twyford House, for whom opener Richard Trotman top scored on 62 after taking 3-51.

Congresbury inflicted a five-wicket home defeat on Bristol West Indian Phoenix while Knowle overcame Stapleton by 45 runs.