MALMESBURY Cricket Club slumped to an eight-wicket defeat at the hands of local rivals Biddestone.

Captain Richard Mosdell said he was very disappointed with his side's batting performance after they scored just 97.

Only Ian Gould offered any resistance to Biddestone's ferocious attack scoring half his team's total with 48 runs, before the loss of his wicket led to total collapse.

Biddestone's bowlers were on top form. Ben Lang took two wickets for 16, Dwaine Perry two for twelve and Gordon Bedwell three for 43.

But Mosdell admitted the total capitulation of his team's lower order was just not good enough. After the game I asked my team what happened and hopefully we can come up with some answers before our next match," he said.

"I think we learned a very big lesson on Saturday.

"They turned up together, warmed up together, practiced together and played as a team.

"That's exactly what we're trying to instil at our club, but it hasn't happened to that extent yet. We need a lot more application from our players now.

"Our bowling and fielding has never been a problem. For the last two years it has been our batting that has caused us problems.

"With a score of just 97 it was take wickets or die and we died."

Biddestone's batsmen made light work of the target knocking off the required runs in only 18 overs for the loss of just two wickets. Adrian Hunt hit 26 and Dwaine Perry was 44 not out at the close of play.

Biddestone 2nd v Malmesbury 2nd

BIDDESTONE'S 2nd made it three wins from three, despite fielding only half the side that won the previous week at Cinderford.

After losing the toss, Biddestone batted and lost their two openers cheaply, but a century third wicket stand between Aaron Bell (82) and Phil Boore (44) put the home side back on top. After some hard hitting from James Taylor (20 not out), Biddestone finished their innings with 212 for seven.

Malmesbury batted out their 45 overs to close on just 107 for five, Chris Rossi and Steve Jepson both made 29 and Biddestone's bowlers took a wicket a piece.

Biddestone 3rd v Highworth 2nd

BIDDESTONE'S 3rd had a comfortable victory when they entertained Highworth seconds.

Biddestone looked in trouble when they lost their top four batsmen for just 28 runs. But Chris Casey turned the innings around with a superb 111, and with support from George Harper's 32, Biddestone finished the innings with 188 for eight.

Highworth had no answer to the young, enthusiastic bowling attack and Chris Casey took three wickets for six while George Harper took three for seven. Andrew Lawton finished the innings with three for one to seal Biddestone's victory.