CORSHAM'S dreams of lifting the West of England Premier League title were all but ended on Saturday 27 July after a 104-run defeat at the hands of Optimists and Clifton.

The injury and availability problems that have dogged the side this season were again evident at the weekend and they travelled to Bristol without seven of their first choice 11.

The day started badly with Craig Gibbens losing the toss and Jamieson deciding Optimists would bat first.

Rick Tyson and Gibbens opened the bowling and again hit good lines. Wiltshire batsman Kevin Blackburn looked in good form before edging a Tyson delivery to Craig Chaplin at first slip.

Tyson's pace could have claimed the wickets of Meddows and Clitheroe as the two veterans constantly played and missed, but luck was not on Corsham's side and the pair grew in confidence.

Gibbens rang the changes in search of a breakthrough, but it was not until the hosts had reached 183 for one that Clitheroe played on off the bowling of Chaplin.

Optimists looked set for a score of around 300 against a demoralised Corsham, but a flurry of wickets with the reintroduction of Tyson and Gibbens saw the home side reduced to 261 for eight from their 55 overs.

A weakened batting line-up featuring no recognised openers was hardly suited to a run chase of this magnitude and the early wickets of Neil Shardlow, Matt Holland and Phil Jordan Corsham in real trouble.

Poor shots from Steve Copland and Mark Hadrill added to the woe and the visitors were 46 for five before a spirited performance from Chaplin and personal best displays from Dave Bolland and James Lye helped Corsham to 157 before they were bowled out.