CHIPPENHAM climbed to the top of the table with a six-wicket victory at home to Frenchay.

Lee Ward’s men made the most of defeat for previous leaders Rockhampton against Swindon and are now a point clear at the summit.

“It was a good weekend for us,” said Ward.

“We’ve put a good run together over the last few weeks and now we are top we know that for the rest of the season it is in our hands. If we win all the rest of our games then we will be in a very strong position to win it.

“We are keeping our feet on the ground and not getting carried away. We still need to take each game as it comes and not look too far ahead.”

Chippenham looked in trouble in the early stages of Saturday’s match as Frenchay reached the 100-mark for the loss of just one wicket.

However, the efforts of Trevor Lloyd (3-26) and Bradley Dawson (3-37) helped turn the game in Chippenham’s favour and Frenchay were dismissed for 224. Jordan Khan top scored with 68.

Chippenham opener Steve Silk was dismissed for a duck in reply but number three Darryl Losper came to the crease and proved a calming influence to see the hosts on the way to victory.

He was unbeaten on 119 by the time Chippenham reached their target for the loss of just four wickets and with ten overs to spare.

Captain Ward added: “What was pleasing about Saturday was that we chased down a pretty decent score.

“They started pretty well so to knock over that target pretty convincingly was a good effort. We have a few different options, such as taking the pace off the ball, and we are confident that in whatever situation we find ourselves we can still come out on top.

“Darryl was absolutely chuffed with that and we were chuffed for him. He has put in a lot of hard work and had some good knocks this summer so to see him go on and make a big one was fantastic.

“He was measured and controlled throughout as he knew he still needed to be there at the end to get us over the line.”

Tom Wallbridge took four wickets as Burbage & Easton Royal were five wicket winners at Tewkesbury.

The home side posted 167 and 56 from David Cope in reply saw that chased down with relative ease.