GOATACRE heaped the pressure on WEPL Premier Two Glos/Wilts leaders Chippenham with a three-wicket win over Thornbury.

The home side’s Yvan Grant struck 68 as Thornbury crept towards 231 all out, but Goatacre’s Jack Haines claimed 4-32 to help restrict their hosts.

Opener Haines then laid the foundations for a successful reply as his 54 preceded Jack Twine’s 47 in Goatacre’s successful chase with two overs to spare.

Goats captain Ed Wilkins felt his side won the game in the first innings when they were able to stop Thornbury reaching 250 in favourable conditions.

He said: “It was a close game, but it was a very good game to win because Thornbury are right up there with us.

“So to go there, and for the second week running on our travels, lose the toss and have to bowl first when we would have liked to have batted, it was fantastic to come away with the win.

“We did well to restrict them to 230 because it was a really good wicket. The outfield was quick, and we know that batting is their strong suit.

“Although we lost seven wickets, we were always fairly comfortable, so it was a really good win.”

After their weekend victory, Wilkins’ side are up to second and the Goats skipper has his sights firmly set on overhauling Chippenham at the top in the coming weeks.

He said: “We’ve just come off the back of three really important games that we needed to win – Chippenham, Burbage and Thornbury.

“To come out of those games with three wins makes me really happy and we’re happy to be where we are, and in some good form.

“Hopefully we can carry that on and get up to the top in the next couple of weeks.”

Elsewhere, Martin Roberts’ 5-42 was key for Corsham (212-7) as they beat Stroud (209 all out) by three wickets.

Chris Munden’s 101 helped Chippenham (299-3) defeat Dumbleton (110 all out) by 189 runs, while Biddestone (87-2) eased to an eight-wicket win over Frocester (84 all out).

Trowbridge (181-9) narrowly secured victory over Burbage & Easton Royal (180-9) by one wicket with a ball to spare.