CORSHAM'S title hopes suffered a massive dent at the weekend after a superb individual performance from Somerset all-rounder Keith Parsons proved to be the difference as they crashed to defeat.

Parsons put the Corsham batsmen to the sword as he finished with figures of five for 41 and then followed that up with a crucial 49 not out as Taunton eased to their target of 165 with eight overs to spare.

Paul Marsh, Corsham's stand-in captain, said: " Keith was the difference between the two sides. His first-class experience with Somerset proved decisive, especially with his bowling.

"He has figured for Somerset in both their one-day side and in their championship side and he was just too good for us on the day.

"The bad weather on Thursday and Friday badly affected the wicket and on a slow, turning wicket their bowlers really gave our side a lot of difficulty."

Corsham's top scorer was Neil Shardlow (42) and the only other noteworthy innings came from Marsh (23) and Ranadeb Bose who hit quick 22.

Taunton never looked like losing the game as they cruised to their target for the loss of only four wickets. Marsh was the pick of Corsham's bowlers picking up three wickets for 26 runs

Marsh admitted the defeat probably spelt the end of their title aspirations.

"The defeat was a massive blow and realistically we have left ourselves with far too much to do. The championship now seems to be between Bath and Cheltenham which for our part is hugely disappointing."