CORSHAM’S slim hopes of becoming West of England Premier League champions were given a shot in the arm at the weekend.

As Ashur Morrison’s men were all but ending Bristol’s hopes of overhauling the leading three, the top two of Frocester and Bath were dropping points as they played out a tie in deepest Gloucestershire.

The 116-run success over Bristol at Station Road saw third-placed Corsham move within 16 points of second placed Bath and 30 points behind the reigning champions and table-toppers.

Although Morrison expects that the leading two will battle it out for the crown, to still be in the title race with four matches remaining is an achievement according to the Wiltshire vice-captain.

“When I took over as captain two years ago I felt that we were a side that were maybe three years away from challenging the title,” Morrison said.

“Last season we finished fourth and now we are a year ahead of schedule – it is fantastic.

“I always knew that we have got the ability, it was just the mental side of our game to be consistent enough to sustain a challenge.”

On Saturday, following the cheap dismissals of Dwaine Fielding (8) and Morrison (0), opener Steve Bullen and Sam Collier set about repairing the damage.

While Collier, who is due a big score according to Morrison, fell for 31, Bullen went on to score a 142-ball 146 and former Wiltshire captain Michael Coles hit a brisk 76 in a 164-run fourth wicket stand to help the hosts close on 301-7.

In reply, Corsham had to be patient to make the breakthrough as Gloucestershire’s Miles Hammond and James Bracey put on 59 for the opening wicket.

However, once Tom Foley removed wicketkeeper Bracey for 21, 59-0 soon became 74-4 with Foley claiming another scalp and Coles a brace.

A mini-recovery was soon ended as the spin became king and Bristol were dismissed for 185 as Joe King claimed 3-45 and Foley finished with 3-35.

Potterne would have been left disappointed by their five-wicket loss to Clevedon.

After being bowled out for 239, with only Joshua De Souza (55), Ed Young (32) and captain Neil Clark (75) able to make any meaningful contributions, Potterne were slack with the ball.

Having taken two early Clevedon wickets in defending their total, the Somerset visitors were able to hit 33 boundaries in just under 36 overs to claim victory.