DWAINE Perry’s century helped elevate Biddestone back to the top of the Glos/Wilts Division as they claimed a crucial victory at title rivals Lechlade last weekend.

Biddestone won the toss and batted first, with Perry putting his side in control as by smacking four sixes and 17 fours on his way to making an unbeaten 144 from 118 deliveries.

He was well-supported by skipper Niel Bredenkamp, who made 49 whilst Lechlade’s Paul Golding and Will Nichols both took two wickets apiece as the visitors posted 250-6.

Biddestone’s Naeem Khan got his side off to a great start with the ball, removing the hosts’ first three wickets, including Wiltshire captain Joe Breet, for just 24 runs.

Asanka Vithanage made a late 44 whilst Ross Jeffels also made 31 for Lechlade but Perry continued to be influential, taking 3-25 as Biddestone clinched victory by skittling their opponents for 221 early in the 48th over.

Third-placed Potterne are seven points behind Lechlade after their 50-run triumph at Stroud last weekend.

Neil Clark’s batted first after winning the toss, with openers Luke De Souza and Tom Cullen making 40 and 34 respectively before they fell to Ed Price.

Dylan Higgins (22), Ollie Smith (17) and Josh De Souza (16) did their best to get runs on the board but Stroud’s Ben Morgan took 4-27 as Potterne were all out for 180 after 49 overs.

Clark’s men then proved in fine form with the ball as they put the hosts under the cosh, with Sahan Wijerathne the pick of the bowlers as he took 4-28.

Josh De Souza (2-30) and Ben Mason (2-15) also got in on the act as Stroud were skittled for 130 in the 45th over.

Meanwhile, Chippenham slipped to a 96-run defeat at Painswick.

The hosts batted first after winning the toss and Lee Ward’s men were unable to get rid of Adam Armistead, who hit an unbeaten 70 from 210 balls as Painswick posted 250-7.

Ian Merrywheather top-scored for Chippenham with 28 but the hosts’ Dan Cave took 4-38 as Ward’s side were skittled for 154 midway through the 36th over.

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