BIDDESTONE’S WEPL Glos/Wilts Division campaign got off to a disappointing start as they suffered a narrow 12-run defeat at the hands of Gloucester City Winget.

Andy Flynn’s side won the toss and put their visitors in to bat first, Naeem Khan and Subash Theiventhirarajah having plenty of success with three wickets apiece.

But Gloucester number four Jack Cowles came in and added some impetus to his side’s innings with a knock of 73, with the visitors safeguarding their final wicket and posting 205-9.

Dwaine Perry led Biddestone’s run-chase with a knock of 52, whilst skipper Flynn also found his range as he added a hearty 67.

But the Gloucester bowling attack turned the screw, Cowes taking 4-35 as only Dominic Hendricks (23) and Rhys Merriman (18) came close to any meaningful contributions.

Biddestone fell short as they were skittled for 193 with two overs to play.

Burbage & Easton Royal were beaten by just three runs as they were bested by Tewkesbury in their first-ever game in the division.

Tewkesbury were put in to bat first and Freddie Humphries led the way with 52.

Darran Freegard led Burbage’s efforts with the ball, taking 5-30, whilst Adam Lavis ended with 3-33 as the visitors were all out for 199 early in the 45th over.

David Cope hit a half-century of 53 in reply but the home side fell short, despite Lavis (26) and Nick Cook (27) contributing late on.

Tewkesbury’s Steve Bowers and Nick Hill both took three wickets as Burbage were dramatically dismissed for 196 in their final over.

Chippenham crashed to a 99-run defeat at Frenchay.

The home side put themselves in control by posting 257-8, Jordan Khan (95) and Tyrone Isitt (65) at the fore whilst visiting captain Lee Ward took 3-31.

In reply, Chippenham’s innings got off to a disastrous star as three of their opening four were dismissed for ducks, Brad Dawson saving face with a knock of 66.

Trevor Lloyd added 45 but the visitors were out for 158 early in the 38th over, Frenchay’s Muhammed Ahmed (3-12) and Isitt (3-27) doing the damage.