LECHLADE opener Joe Breet was delighted with the timing of his side’s nine-run win over Downend in their bid to remain a Premier One side.

With fellow strugglers Potterne, Frocester and Corsham all succumbing to defeats at the weekend, Lechlade’s success at the Manor Ground was all the more important.

Freddie Martin’s poor luck at the toss continued as the hosts were put in to bat first and Breet was disappointed to see Ryan Higgins (10) and Brad Dial (three) both return to the pavilion within the first five overs.

However, Breet (34) and James Palmer (16) were able to steady the ship for the home side before the weather intervened with Lechlade on 57-2.

When play resumed two hours later, the game has been reduced to 37 overs and Lechlade had bowler Chris Harwood, coming in at nine, to thank as his score of 42 helped them to a respectable 159 all out with two balls left.

“When it’s rain-affected, it’s not ideal but it worked out well for us and we had to deal with it as it was going on,” said Breet.

“It was difficult up front as the scorecard shows, with Brad and Ryan going early.

“We just had to rebuild as such and try to get to a decent total and luckily the tail wagged a bit and we got up to a good score with Benny (Ellis) and Chris ultimately getting us over the line.

“I don’t think there were any demons in the pitch, it was one of those where you just had to apply yourself a bit more and they bowled well with some Gloucestershire bowlers in their ranks and asked a lot of questions while bowling in good places.

“We lost wickets and we got to a stage where, you can bat out the overs and end up on 120 or you can go for bust and tray and get a couple more runs.

“I think Chris assessed the situation really well and took a couple of risks and it paid off.”

With Liam Smith missing the game for family reasons and Harwood unable to bowl, skipper Freddie Martin opened the bowling with Ellis’ spin and it worked well, picking up the scalp of Patrick Griesharber with just his fifth ball.

Ellis ended with figures of 4-30 and was supported superbly by Max Mortimer’s five-fer at the expense of just 25 runs as Lechlade dispatched the hosts for 155, the rain creating a revised target of 164.

“Benny bowled probably the best I have seen him bowl all year,” Breet added.

“He didn’t give anything away and he delivered on Saturday.

“The guys around us, Potterne, Corsham and I think Frocester all lost, so, if there was a game to win, Saturday was it.

“We’ve got four games left and you want to be winning now rather than leaving it all down to the last few games.”