GOATACRE'S roller coaster league season troughed again on Saturday as they suffered a four-wicket defeat at the hands of Lydney.

Goatacre captain Peter Turner won the toss and elected to bat despite the late withdrawal of his younger brother and key batsman Robert.

Despite the early loss of Steve Gee, Goatacre batted sensibly, increasing the score steadily and by the end of the 13th over they had reached 45. Number 13 proved unlucky for new boy Steve Lines as in the next over a mix up with Jif Wilkins saw him run out for just 8 runs. This brought Adam Iles to the crease who had a great opportunity to show what he can do with the bat.

Soon afterwards Jif was caught attempting one too many big shots in his innings of 31 including six boundaries. When Sam Parish was caught behind on just 1, Goatacre had slumped to 48 for 4, having lost three wickets for just 3 runs in the previous seven overs.

The loss of Peter Turner for 13, five overs later brought the veteran Kevin Iles to crease.

He and nephew Adam batted well together and put on a stand of 82 before Adam was caught for 40 as Goatacre hoped a reasonable total could be achieved in the final overs.

Kevin Iles (47) was out in the 47th over with the total on 154. Goatacre managed a further 12 runs in the remaining 3 overs and lost a further 2 wickets in the process ending their innings at 166 for 9. T Scott was the pick of the Lydney bowlers with 3 for 37 from 10 overs.

Goatacre had the dream start with the ball. Following a maiden by Adam Iles in the opening over, Captain Peter Turner struck with his second delivery having Whitson smartly caught by Kevin Iles in the gully and Lydney were 0 for 1.

While Lydney's run rate was modest the Goatacre bowlers failed to penetrate, and the Lydney batsmen were able to score comfortably in the knowledge at least one bad ball would be bowled each over. Coupled with a number of miss-fields from Goatacre and several dropped catches Goatacre's chances of a victory were becoming increasingly slim.

Goatacre change bowlers Rahn Heer (9-2-23-2) and Kevin Iles (15-3-33-0) were very economical, but the support from the other bowlers didn't materialise.

Lydney's Jon Kear can certainly claim man of the match with his 84 not out, leading his side to a four-wicket win in the 48th over.