Magnificent seven for Whitaker (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Magnificent seven for Whitaker

DESPITE mixed results, Cirencester produced some significant personal best performances. Away to Birdlip in Gloucestershire Division One, the first team were given an excellent start by opening pair David Shackleton (66) and Rich Hudson (44).

They were well backed up by skipper Andy Reynolds (24) and James Shackleton, who, returning from injury, hit a whirlwind 38 to help post a respectable 204-9.

In the field Town welcomed back opening bowler Jason Moore from injury and he bowled threateningly without reward.

Birdlip reached 70-2 in reply and after offering a chance, Ian Green went on to hit an unbeaten 80 and guide hosts to an eight-wicket win.

At the Park, Cirencester 2nd's middle order of Dan Hudson (48), Tom Burgess (45 not out), Alex Harris (24) and Oliver Whitaker (32 not out), all batted at a good strike rate to post a decent total of 210-5.

A mean spell by Tom Putney of six overs for just seven runs had Down Hatherley's reply under pressure from the off, and at the other end Whitaker ripped through the top order, bowling the first seven batsmen to produce magnificent career best figures of 7-29.

Phil Carter (2-6) and Rupert Hooper (1-1) mopped up the tail for a 118-run victory.

Cirencester 3rd slipped to a defeat against Cotswold League Division 3 title-chasers Lechlade 2nd.

Putt rattled up 115 and Berrit 53 for Lechlade as they reached 247-6.

The run chase was always going to be a tough ask but good contributions were provided right through the order, with the highlights being career best scores of 74 by 15-year-old Clive Brown and 58 not out from Hillier.

A youthful Sunday side set a challenging target of 243-7 for Gloucester Badgers after contributions from Sam Hoskins (35), Tom Shackel (40) and Rich Hudson (53 retired).

Under 13 bowlers Coleman (5-21) and Billy Breen (2-3) and off-spinner Hoskins (3-18) shared the wickets as Badgers were dismissed for 67.