NATIONAL VILLAGE KNOCKOUT: GOATACRE set foot on the road to Lord's with an emphatic 175-run victory over Baydon in the second round of the National Village Knockout competition on Sunday 4th May.

The hosts batted first on a pitch softened by the heavy rain of the previous week and had Stephen Gee bowled early on for five.

Rob Turner joined Scott Curwood and the scoring rate began to increase, with Turner in particular being severe on anything pitched short.

Turner was unluckily caught for 21 off a high full toss and then Curwood was caught at mid-on for 37.

Captain Peter Turner batted carefully but was severe on anything off line and increased the scoring rate. although both Kevin and Adam Iles went cheaply.

Turner went on to score 50, the highest score of the match, and then Sam Parish with 39 and John Wilkins with 29 kept the momentum going. Ed Wilkins contributed 14 on his competition debut as Goatacre finished on 258 for nine.

In reply, a tight opening spell from Adam Iles was rewarded with an early wicket and with Peter Turner also striking, Baydon were soon in trouble at 20 for two.

Smith and Maycock batted well to take the score to 51 before the former was caught behind off Curwood.

Rhan Heer took the next wicket, but it was the introduction of Rob Turner and Kevin Iles that made all the difference as Baydon collapsed from 83 for five to 83 all out in four overs.

The last six wickets were all clean bowled, with Turner taking two for eight and Iles four for one in five balls, including his first ever hat-trick for Goatacre.