A MAGNIFICENT 123 from Newent 1st's opener Jack Cowles couldn't spare them from an eight-wicket loss at home to Gloucestershire 3 leaders Woodmancote on Saturday.

Cowles blasted three sixes and 16 fours in his 110-ball knock, but crucially only Wayne Phillips with 23 and George Ayland 11 joined him in double figures.

The opener shared stands of 78, 47 and 61, but from 184-2 they lost five wickets in 11 balls, including two ducks, and finally totalled 198-7 off their 40 overs.

Woodmancote then eased to 201-2 in 31 overs, opener Ade Stenner firing an unbeaten 108, with Douglas Page taking both wickets, and the result leaving Newent sixth.

Newent Lions also had 'claws for thought' after a 113-run fourth v third Gloucestershire 9B loss away to Charlton Kings 4ths, despite a five-wicket haul for Sam Watts for 25 runs off six overs.

The hosts racked up 277-8 off their 40 overs, Nigel Brown also taking 3-30-8.

But only three batters could make double figures – Brown with 46, James Griffiths 33 and Lee Roberts 25 – as Newent were all out for 164 in 30 overs in reply.

And to compound a tough weekend for Newent, the 3rds were beaten by 182 runs by visitors Arcadians 3rds, who blasted a mountainous 352-8 off their 40 overs.

Toby Clarke took two wickets for the hosts, and Will Pettipher, Charlie Lacy, Patrick Thompson and Jimmer Cunliffe one apiece on a tough afternoon in the field.

To their credit, Newent then saw out their overs, mainly thanks to Pettipher with a superb 94, including a six and 18 fours, as they reached 170-8.

Newent 1sts travel to face Rockhampton 2nds this Saturday (August 30) in their final league match of the season, while the Lions host Winchcombe 2nds and the 3rds host Andoversford 2nds.