FARINGDON Baptist retained their title at the area churches six-a-side cricket tournament.

Eight local parish teams congregated at Sevenhampton for the United Churches Cricket Club's annual competition, and Faringdon successfully defended the crown they won in 2002.

From the eight-team league format, Dorcan, Faringdon, St Joseph's and top-ranked Christ Church qualified for the semi-finals.

Dorcan sprang a surprise by beating table-topping Christ Church in the last four and Faringdon defeated St Joseph's in a repeat of last year's final in the other semi.

And in a tense showpiece, Faringdon triumphed once again to beat Dorcan by three runs.

Individual awards were also up for grabs, with Christ Church's Simon Wilding topping the batting statistics.

Dorcan's Peter Sharp took the bowling award with a total of seven wickets, pipping brother and teammate Chris, who was second with six.

But Chris did get his hands on the award for the day's top fielder.

Best supported team went to Christ Church, and the magic moment award was presented to Dorcan wicketkeeper Neil Watts, who celebrated his 50th birthday with a tremendous diving catch.

Tournament organiser David Martin said: "We a had a good English Bank Holiday enjoying good cricket.

"It was an opportunity for people linked with the churches to enjoy the game and develop friendships."

The United Churches Cricket Club are welcoming new players. Anyone interested in joining the Wiltshire League outfit should contact David Martin on 01793 771171.