LECHLADE Cricket Club have already had their fair share of success this season, but with challenges still awaiting them, nothing would seem to be set in stone, writes AARON LEIGHFIELD.

Going from strength to strength, Lechlade now sit pretty in the top spot, with seven points separating them from second-placed Malmesbury.

With eight games still left, the team at the top hope to keep their winning streak running and take the league by force.

Team captain Paul Rowley is well aware of Lechlade's current state and realises what they have left to do.

"Of course we're enjoying being at the top, we all are," said Rowley. "It's been going really well.

"We know what it feels like to be at the bottom, but we're enjoying the season and so far it seems to be going good.

"It doesn't matter how much we're leading though, with eight games left in a league like this, nothing is a done thing.

"We're optimistic, but we can't afford to be complacent. We've got every chance if we keep it up, but it's easy to lose the top place.

"Malmesbury are only seven points behind us, if we lose this weekend and they win, we would lose our place, and Malmesbury would go to the top."

While playing in good form already throughout the season, the skipper is sure that the team can still do better.

"Setting a personal record with the highest score we have ever had only a few weeks ago, it is evident the team has more to come.

Rowley added: "Our bowling is our strong point, I know that. Our bowling is what makes us win games. Our batting is what we are going to improve. We have already started work on it, and with experience and training it can only get better"

Lechlade face fifth-placed Purton this weekend with Rowley confident of victory.

He added: "Purton have a good squad, I know Mark Gardner and I know they are a competitive side. We always enjoy playing Purton, they're a nice group of lads.

"Even though we have got several players missing, we always think that if we play well we could have a chance of winning."