ANTHONY James turned in a man-of-the-match performance but his Aston Ingham side were denied victory by the narrowest of margins.

James bowled one wicket and took three catches as visitors Westbury set a target of 227.

He then hit 136 as as he led the charge in the Gloucestershire County Cricket League first division game at Stockings Field.

Good work by the Westbury bowlers and bowlers saw the middle order dismissed cheaply.

But there was life in the tail as both Oli Dennis and Luke Ward each contributed 18 runs with Dennis making a 51-run partnership with James.

James became the ninth wicket to fall when he was caught leg before by Dan Hockaday with Aston needing eight to win.

Despite the best efforts of George Aubrey and Ward – whose 18 runs came off 17 balls including three fours – the innings closed with three runs still required.

Tim Dulson picked up two wickers for Aston Ingham and there was one each for Oli Dennis, Anthony James, George Aubrey and Luke Ward.

Aston Ingham are now sixth in the league.