GOATACRE captain Sam Parish was seeing the lighter side of defeat after they narrowly lost to another top three side.

Despite scoring almost 300 on Saturday, second place Warminster managed to chase the total down with one over to spare.

It means Goatacre, who had previously lost by two runs to leaders Biddestone and six runs to third place Swindon, were edged out again.

"At least we have shown we can beat the top three and then let them win - they have been a very frustrating three games," joked Parish.

"We did not bowl very well, possibly because we didn't start quickly enough. We were a bit too relaxed having got a big total.

"But it is always possible for sides to chase runs on our ground, especially with the batsmen they had.

"We let Warminster get off to a good start and couldn't get the momentum back off them."

Parish won the toss and decided to bat with Pete Turner top scoring with 69.

Jon Wilkins (52) and Rob Turner (55), along with Dan Horton (40no), also helped their side recover from a poor start which saw them stuttering at 14-2.

"We did not just rely on one person, three or four people came in with decent scores," said Parish.

"I am very pleased those who have not necessarily contributed as much this year, like Dan and Rob, helped us get to where we were."

But in reply, Warminster were in commanding batting form as they reached 155 before Turner (2-63) claimed the first wicket.

Wilkins (1-44), Kevin Iles (2-74) and Adam Iles (1-32) tried to restrict the visitors but their title challenge continued.

After the loss, Parish will now be looking for a win at home to bottom of the table Hatherley and Reddings on Saturday, although he is wary of then.

He said: "They have been unlucky and have lost a lot of close games. They have not been getting stuffed and we will show them the respect they deserve."