LECHLADE failed to take advantage of fellow title contenders Cheltenham’s slip-up as they too fell to a defeat at Biddestone.

Cheltenham’s loss to Thornbury meant Lechlade could have increased their lead, but instead they themselves were humbled by five wickets.

“It’s disappointing not to have won but that is what it is about, now we have to concentrate,’’ said skipper Freddie Martin. “The camp is positive which is good, we know what we have to do, it’s a competitive environment.

“It (the result) wasn’t great really, but Cheltenham lost too so we are still at the top of the table with four games left to play.”

Lechlade, who now hold a two-point advantage, had won the toss and batted, getting off to a steady start.

Captain Martin led the way with 58 but 4-21 from Biddestone’s George Linde restricted them to 182-9 back before Linde scored an impressive 81 to guide his side home.

“It was not a great result really, it was a nice day and we decided to bat, but we didn’t cash in on the chances we had,’’ added Martin.

“The wickets just kept falling at the wrong time, but we did manage to post 182 which was a reasonable score. We were probably about 40 runs short, George Linde batted and bowled really well, he took the game away from us.

“The aim is to win all four of those games that we have left, it is what we will have to do now.’’