POTTERNE moved top of WEPL Premier One table on Saturday thanks to a dominant nine-wicket victory at home to Cheltenham, writes JONATHAN LEIGHFIELD.

The comprehensive win, combined with Bath’s narrow loss to Bedminster, saw Neil Clark’s team rise to the head of the standings for the first time this season.

Having won the toss and inserted Cheltenham into bat, Potterne’s bowlers shared the wickets around as the visitors were dismissed for 201.

Basil Akram then proceeded to smash 12 fours and 10 sixes on his way to 125 before being bowled with the score at 200-0.

Jake Goodwin dovetailed well with Akram as hehit 59, and Potterne wrapped the game up inside 19 overs.

“It was fantastic to go top of the league on Saturday,” said Clark.

“It was the result of six weeks of really hard work and good performances, so that’s really pleasing.

“But to finish that game only one down was pretty ridiculous. Basil got another hundred and batted superbly.

“The Cheltenham opening bowlers didn’t bowl particularly well, and we took advantage of it, and then we just kept going at that rate.

“It was nice to see Basil get another hundred and also for Jake to finish not out.

“For him to do what he did was a great little knock for him and his confidence.

“Hopefully he can take that through for the rest of the season now.”

Meanwhile, Potterne’s hopes of lifting the first silverware of the season ended in disappointment as they won one and lost one on WEPL T20 Finals Day.

Graham Wiseman’s 77 helped Potterne to a nail-biting two-wicket victory against Taunton Deane in the first of their games before Bath chased down the Wiltshire side’s 172-5 with eight balls to spare in what was effectively the final.

Clark says everyone at the club was proud of the team’s efforts and it suggest the future of Potterne is in good hands.

Clark said: “To be fair to the lads that played on Sunday, it was a mixture of firsts and seconds.

“They had a few missing, but the guys that stepped up gave a really good account of themselves and they took Bath really close in the second game.

“We’re disappointed not to win Finals Day, but I think the lads came away pretty pleased with themselves as it was a good performance.

“It was a really good experience for the youngsters who are looking to break into the first team in a couple of years’ time.”