NEWENT endured a frustrating afternoon as Churchdown claimed a two wicket victory at Three Ashes despite the hosts posting a competitive 227 for eight in their Gloucestershire Cricket League Division Three clash.

After losing the toss, Newent were asked to bat and recovered from an early setback through Richard Howell's 36 and Will Trumper's superb 66. Freddie Fabian added 16 while Wayne Phillips made 27 before captain Neil Roche anchored the closing stages with an unbeaten 35. Extras also boosted the total as Newent finished on 227 for eight from their 40 overs.

Churchdown made a positive reply but Newent kept themselves firmly in contention with regular wickets. Freddie Fabian starred with 3 for 34 while Josh Hayes claimed 2 for 45 and Ben Allard and Wayne Phillips took one each. Mike Mason also produced a run out as Churchdown slipped to 205 for eight.

However, Joe Griffiths and Louis Hammond combined to guide the visitors home with four balls remaining, finishing on 230 for eight. Despite taking the game deep, Newent were left to reflect on a handful of missed opportunities and the costly extras conceded during the chase, with Churchdown collecting the victory by two wickets to strengthen their promotion hopes.

There was better news for the Lions, who secured an impressive seven wicket win away to Tewkesbury Fourths. After restricting the hosts to 179 for six, thanks to two wickets apiece from Jamie Wood and Jack Griffiths, Newent replied confidently. Gwyn Evans struck 52, Jack Griffiths made 49 and James Griffiths contributed 27 before Josh Ralph and Jamie Wood saw the side home on 182 for three with five overs remaining.

The Thirds were unable to join the celebrations after slipping to a ten wicket defeat against Westbury on Severn Thirds. Jay Scott impressed with 94 and Jimmer Cunliffe finished unbeaten on 47 as Newent posted 182 for three. However, Steven Bowles blasted an unbeaten 120 alongside Gary Hamilton's 23 as Westbury reached their target without losing a wicket.

Although the first team came away empty handed, there were encouraging individual displays with Trumper, Roche and Fabian all making significant contributions in different disciplines. The narrow margin underlined how evenly contested the afternoon had been before Churchdown held their nerve in the closing stages.

Newent will now look to bounce back quickly in their next fixture, knowing another all round performance of similar quality, combined with tighter control of the extras column, could easily produce a different outcome.

The Lions meanwhile continue to build momentum with another confident success, balancing disciplined bowling with composed batting, while the Thirds will hope to convert another competitive batting display into points after finding themselves frustrated by an outstanding opening partnership from the hosts.

Across the club there was therefore a mixture of disappointment and encouragement, with one senior side celebrating victory, another suffering a heartbreaking defeat after pushing promotion contenders all the way, and the Thirds left searching for a response after an emphatic chase before next week's league fixtures.