Aston Ingham slipped to their third successive defeat in the West of England Premier League’s Gloucestershire division.

Visitors Stroud reached the target of 187 with nearly 12 overs to spare for a five-wicket victory.

The only substantive innings came from Anthony James who went for 87 and opener Nic Merrin who made 42.

The home side elected to bat but lost their first wicket with the opening delivery of the sixth over when Oliver Henson was caught for 11.

Merrin and James put on 63 before the opener also went to a catch at the beginning of the 21th.

The Australian’s 42 included nine fours.

Gus Carini-Roberts was the third wicket to go when he was bowled in the 26th.

His replacement, Angus Bartlett, did not last long.

He was caught leg before midway through the 28th over to leave Aston Ingham on 112/4.

Dharzekanth Yoganadan made 12 and was bowled with the penultimate ball of the 34th to make it 143/5.

Aston Ingham had moved onto 167 when Dave Lacey was bowled with the last ball of the 40th over.

Toby O’Neill was the seventh wicket to go, caught on five in the 43rd.

Oliver Dennis was caught in the next over, a wicket maiden, to leave the home side on 186/8.

The innings closed with two wickets falling in four balls in the 45th.

James was caught on the first delivery and Simon Clark went with the fourth.

James’s 87 included 12 fours and a six.

He went on to take two wickets and there was one each for Toby O’Neill, Oliver Dennis and Angus Bartlett.

All five Stroud wickets fell to the accuracy of the Aston bowlers.

The result means Aston Ingham are now sixth in the division.