A BRILLIANT unbeaten 164 from Brad Dial inspired Lechlade to a 39-run victory away at Cheltenham in their first Premier Two fixture.

Lechlade were promoted as Glos/Wilts Division champions last term and had no problems adapting to life at a new level.

Skipper Joe Breet said: “Brad pretty much won the game for us on his own. It was a fantastic innings and some of the shots he played were unbelievable.

“We know he is well above the level he is playing at right now. Hopefully he goes on to bigger and better things in the not too distant future.

“We were really looking forward to the game and there’s no better way to start than with a win.

“Most of the teams who have gone up to Premier Two in the past have done well. I’ve played at both levels so I know there’s not that much difference between them. I’m confident we can have a good season.”

Breet won the toss and had no hesitation in opting to bat, with Miles Hammond (35) and Sam Burdock (21) sharing an opening stand of 63.

Hammond was the first to go, with new man Dial then seeing wickets tumble around him as Lechlade slumped to 77-4.

Benny Ellis (11) helped offer some resistance but it was not until Paul Godding joined Dial at 139-6 that Lechlade really settled again.

South African Dial set about blasting the Cheltenham attack to all parts of the ground, with Godding chipping in with a valuable 39 not out as the visitors posted 308-6.

Matt Jennings led the Cheltenham attack, taking 3-39, while George Terry claimed 2-36.

Lechlade took wickets at regular intervals when they got their hands on the ball, although they were grateful to David Novias for breaking the opening stand between Peter Woodland (34) and Michael Kelly (51) at 93.

Kieran Smith also made 53 before becoming the first victim of Freddie Martin, who claimed 4-41, and Cheltenham finally finished on 269-9.

Goatacre’s league opener away at Chard was abandoned without a ball being bowled.