LECHLADE were unable to make it back-to-back wins in Premier One as they fell to a 99-run home defeat to Bridgwater.

After stunning then league leaders Downend last weekend, Freddie Martin’s men were hopeful of making it two in a row on Saturday.

Having won the toss, Martin invited their Somerset visitors to bat first despite paceman Chris Harwood not being fit enough to bowl after sustaining a side strain last Saturday.

Martin made the breakthrough for the Manor Ground men as he bowled Bridgwater opener and skipper Merv Hallaran for 13.

However, a solid second-wicket partnership between Todd Barrett (47) and George Bartlett was only broken when the former was caught and bowled by Tom Young.

Bartlett went on to register a century before Martin had him caught behind by Brad Dial for a 96-ball 105, which included three sixes and 11 fours.

Bridgwater closed their innings on 272-8, with the Lechlade captain the pick of the bowlers with 3-68, while Harvey Jupp chipped in with 2-30 and Young 2-38.

In reply, the hosts lost Young early on as he was bowled by William Williams for just three before Joe Breet was joined at the crease by his South African counterpart Dial to steady the ship.

Opener Breet was trapped leg before for 31 by Thomas Bevan, while Dial fell for 41.

Martin weighed in with 25 for his side, while Benny Ellis chipped in with 21 but Lechlade were bowled out for 173.