GOATACRE were indebted to an unbeaten half-century from number eight Benny Howell as they claimed a second win of the season in Premier One after triumphing at Frocester by a single wicket.

Chasing Frocester’s total of 153 all out, the Goats looked likely to fall to another defeat at 95-7, and they were still more than 20 runs shy of their target when the ninth wicket fell.

However, Howell remained unmoved at the crease at his 51 not out dragged Ed Wilkins’ side over the winning line in the 39th over, finishing on 157-9.

Number 11 Matthew House also refused to give up his wicket, having earlier led the Goatacre attack with figures of 4-45.

Josh Langley also picked up three wickets to help bowl Frocester out in 45 of their allotted 50 overs, with Nick Trainor top scoring for the home side on 61.

Potterne are also on two wins from four games in the top tier after a heavy 128-run defeat at second-in-the-table Bath.

Visiting skipper Ashur Morrison won the toss and opted to bowl first, but may have regretted that decision after seeing Sam Young pile on 130.

Greg Hay (59) and Tom Hankins (50 not out) also shone with the bat as Bath racked up a daunting total of 320-5.

Opener Tom Cullen (70) and skipper Morrison (64) tried to be positive in Potterne’s reply and shared a stand of 93 for the second wicket.

However, once those two departed, the last seven visiting batsmen fell for single figure scores as they were dismissed for 192 in the 41st over.

Paul Muchall and Bobby Cave claimed three wickets each for Bath.