GOATACRE moved top of the Premier Two Glos/Wilts table on Saturday with a thumping 192-run win at Biddestone.

The visitors declared on 292-8 after 44.5 overs thanks to a fine 180-run opening partnership from Jif Wilkins, who scored 96, and Luke Edwards (75).

Goatacre then saw leg-spinner Brad Dawson (4-21) and Gloucestershire seamer Benny Howell (3-7) rip out the Biddestone bottom order to secure an extra two bonus points.

The win, coupled with a defeat for Cheltenham, meant that Ed Wilkins’ side rose to the summit.

“A couple of weeks ago we were 30 points behind Cheltenham, now we have a five-point lead,” Ed Wilkins said.

“We have got a tough game with Westbury coming in a couple of weeks – they are on a good run.

“All we can do is keeping what we are doing and not get carried away.

“On Saturday, we couldn’t have asked for a better start. Once you have a 180-run opening partnership it sets the platform.

“To see my brother Jif score 96 was good because he hasn’t got many runs lately.”

Burbage & Easton Royal remain fourth following their six-wicket success at Gloucester City Winget.

After finding themselves in the field at The Spa ground in Gloucester, Tom Wallbridge and Oliver Lavis struck early on to leave the hosts 7-2.

Gloucester saw Scott Montgomery and Jack Cowles repair some of the damage with a 47-run fourth wicket stand, Burbage managed to bowl their hosts out for 163 early in the 35th over.

Adam Lavis was the pick of the bowlers with 3-33, while Oliver Lavis claimed 3-49, Deepak Joon chipped in with 2-18 and Wallbridge added to his early wicket by claiming the last scalp.

Burbage then saw Duncan Lorrain and skipper David Cope get the reply off to a fine start with an opening stand of 65 before Cope was run out for 30-ball 41.

Wicketkeeper Lorrain went on to complete his half-century before he was bowled by Ben Lambert for 62 with the six-wicket win sealed at the end of the 32nd over.

Chippenham were also celebrating a success, although they were made to work hard in their two-wicket success at Thornbury.

The visitors bowled Thornbury out for 170 in the 40th over, opening bowler Lee Ward picking up 6-53, while Craig Fry took 3-22.

Chippenham made steady progress with their response but no-one managed to post a big score, while they also saw wicketkeeper Geoff Prudhoe dismissed for obstructing the field.

Skipper Oli Jones top scored for the visitors with an unbeaten 38 with the win secured at the end of the 45th over.