Rodbourne Cheney's long unbeaten run in the Swindon and District Four-Rink Bowls League, stretching back to August 2002, came to an end when they were beaten 80-60 by visitors Stratton Churchways A.

Cheney captain Dave Hillier said he was disappointed. "I'm afraid the England football match cost us the game. Our bowlers seemed more interested in that than concentrating on beating Stratton.

"It has been a great run for the club and I suppose you can't go on forever being unbeaten every year.

"We are only a small club and it's been an incredible performance, and there are not many clubs around who could boast such a record. Stratton were a better side on the night and deserved their victory."

Churchways had Alan Gough's rink to thank for their victory, beating Tony Flemington by 16 shots, 31-15. Two rinks finished all square, Dave Jones and Pete Cann on 17 shots each and Harry Robertson and Dave Humphreys 15 shots apiece. On the other rink Dave Gough beat Gary Morphet 17-13.

League leaders Cricklade had a close call at Shrivenham, beating the home side by just one shot 78-77. Both sides won two rinks each, with Cricklade's Eddie Wells just tipping the scales in favour of the visitors with a 28-17 rink win over Roy Dixon.

In a night of close matches, Wroughton and Highworth tied 80 shots each, both sides winning two rinks each and sharing the points seven apiece.

Swindon beat Wootton Bassett A 77-71, three rinks being separated by just one shot. Cliff Dennis' rink proved the exception, beating Maurice Brown 23-18.

In other matches in Division One there were good wins for Supermarine B 84-67 over Town Gardens and Wootton Bassett B, who beat Supermarine A 80-73.

Westlecot A continue to lead Division Two, picking up a maximum 14 points with a 73-49 win over Penhill, and Westlecot B did likewise beating Purton 93-56.

Marlborough, in third spot in the table, made no mistake against bottom club North End, running out winners by 102-50.

There were also good wins for Faringdon, 99-49 over Haydon Wick, and Wanborough accounted for West End 78-64.

WILTSHIRE face Warwickshire tomorrow in their final Middleton Cup group match at Wootton Bassett (2pm).