GREG Artus produced an inspired spell of bowling to pave the way for Westbury-on-Severn to record their first win of the season and also inflict a first reverse of the summer on Kingsholm in Division One of the AMS Gloucestershire County League.
Artus devastated Kingsholm’s top order with a return of 5-32 from nine, making the home side regret their decision to bat before Devin Rogers (55) led Westbury to the victory that lifted his side off the bottom of the table.
It was a good day again, meanwhile, for Hawkesbury Upton opener George Bailey. He took his total of runs for the league season to 328 with his lowest league score of the summer to date – 58 – in a 69-run home victory for the high-flying newcomers over Aston Ingham.
Captain Jay Westwood (64) and Fletcher May (57 not) also shone while opener Anthony James (84) top scored for the visitors.
Lydney made it four from four at the top of Division Two with a six-wicket home success over Langford, opener Jon Kear (pictured below, image courtesy Mark Elson) unbeaten on 55 and Jordan Stone (51) in the runs, while Newent also stretched their 100 per cent record with a 44-run success at Rockhampton 2nds.
Brendan Low (3-10 from six) and Matt Cox (3-15 from eight) combined to help skittle Dumbleton 2nds for 67 in Division Three before their Tewkesbury counterparts wrapped up a seven-wicket triumph.
Captain Ash Walker’s 96 was in vain for Oldlands in Division Four as Chris Whincup (104) powered Frocester 3rds to an eight-wicket win.
Opener Luke Benneyworth (114 not) dominated Stroud 2nds’ 91-run home victory over Cheltenham 3rds in Division Five while Neil Rayer (5-10) put the skids under Witcombe who were rushed out for 67 and a 178-run home setback against Kingsholm 2nds.
Another bowler to shine in this division was James Bishop who grabbed 5-16 from eight for Lydney 2nds but still finished on the losing side against their Cirencester counterparts who nipped in by 17 runs.
There were two outstanding individual performances in the Division Seven clash between Langford 2nds and visitors St Philips North.
Captain Jack Francis totally dominated Saints’ challenge of 222-6 with an unbeaten 133 before Luke Sprigmore then grabbed 6-45 from seven to restrict Langford’s reply to 195-8 and ensure a 27-run win for the visitors.