COLLINGBOURNE won the only game to go ahead in the top three divisions of the Wiltshire League.

With the rain wreaking havoc on Saturday, Collingbourne closed the gap on second-placed Swindon A in Division Three to just 16 points following their eight-wicket success over Royal Wootton Bassett 2nd.

After winning the toss, Collingbourne skipper David Malley had no hesitation in inviting Bassett to bat first amidst the threat of rain.

Jarrod Price made the early breakthrough for the hosts as he struck with his third ball, while fellow strike bowler Barry Reed (1-8) found the edge of the other Bassett opener in his sixth over, with wicketkeeper Karl Gingell taking the regulation catch.

Bassett were reduced to 58-3 in the 23rd over when seamer James Phillips struck thanks to a fine catch at cover by Graham Chandler.

The visitors repaired the early damage with an 83-run fourth wicket stand, before Josh Smith (70) and Pravdeep Chalal (50) were run out in quick succession.

At 150-5, with five overs remaining, Bassett hit the accelerator to close on 204-6, Mark Brett picking up the final wicket thanks to a smart stumping from Gingell.

Having lost 10 minutes of play during the tea break due the rain, Collingbourne lost Owen Sheppard early on as he went for seven in the fourth over.

Opener Graham Chandler and Andy Holman pushed the score on to 45-1 after 10 and when the rain arrived by the end of the 18th over, Collingbourne were 91-1.

A lengthy break meant that the league handbook was consulted and calculations were made. When the game finally resumed, the target for Collingbourne had been reduced to 146 runs from 32 overs.

Chandler and Holman enjoyed a 102-run partnership before the former was eventually bowled for 34 in the 23rd over (115-2).

Holman, who was playing through the pain barrier due to a calf injury, guided the hosts home in the 27th over with an unbeaten 82.

Division Four

With only two games played in the division, Wanborough boosted their survival hopes with a two-wicket success over All Cannings, while Buscot Park moved 13 points clear of the bottom following a four-wicket win over Ramsbury.

Division Five

Andy Hulbert’s unbeaten 86 proved in vain for Combe Down as they were beaten by the rain in their match at Wilcot, with no games in the division reaching a conclusion.

Division Seven

With Divisions Six, Eight and Nine being wiped out by the inclement weather, Trowbridge 2nd's trip to their Malmesbury counterparts was the only game to beat the rain in Division Seven.

Having restricted the hosts to 172-9, Trowbridge reached 116-6 after 27.1 overs when rain prevented any further play. But the visitors secured a four-wicket win as they were well ahead of the run-rate.