LECHLADE fell to a disappointing eight-wicket defeat in their first home match of the season against Potterne.

Jake Roberts (3-16) and Joshua De Souza (3-25) did the damage in the first innings as Lechlade limped to complete their 50 overs, setting Potterne a target of 152 to win.

However, with conditions improving all the time, the visitors were able to rack up the total with 15 overs and eight wickets in hand.

“If anything it could make our season, as losing will spur us on,” said captain Joe Breet.

“We’ve got to deserve each win and after a good win against Cheltenham, this has brought us back down to earth.

“I don’t think the scoresheet reflects the circumstances of the game because the wicket was quite wet with all the rain we had.

“I think we did well to get 152 and the conditions changed when they had the bat.”

It was a damp pitch and overcast conditions at Manor Ground and it was the visitors who won the toss and had no hesitation in asking Lechlade to bat.

Potterne soon had the home side reeling at 12-3 and by drinks Lechlade had struggled to 50-4.

When last week’s hero Brad Dial went for 30 it was looking like an early finish, however, Benny Ellis and Paul Godding set about giving the bowlers a total to bowl at.

With some solid defence and then some judicious shots they took the total to 125 before Ellis (58) was well caught on the boundary.

Godding (24) fell in the same manner but Lechlade managed to bat out their 50 overs and achieve a second batting point, reaching a total of 151-8.

Tom Cullen hit a fluent 30 and with 56 on the board off 13 overs, Potterne looked to be coasting to a quick win but a run out followed by a wicket for off spinner Miles Hammond gave Lechlade hope.

However, Potterne ran out comfortable winners by eight wickets with Sahan Wijerathne (36*) and Ed Young (48*) undefeated.