Ref. 10207-02CORSHAM suffered another huge blow to their title ambitions as they went down to a 76 run home defeat in Stroud and Swindon Premier Division One on Saturday.

Skipper Craig Gibbens' decision to switch tactics from the early part of the season and chase target rather than set one again backfired as Corsham were bowled out for a modest 135.

Chasing a Weston total of 211, Corsham lost opener Richard Greatorex early on, but looked well set as Mark Coxon and Steve Perrins shared a second wicket partnership of 52.

But Perrin's dismissal for 23 sparked a collapse as nine wickets went down for the addition of only 66 runs.

Coxon went on to top score with 50, his runs coming off 71 balls and including eight fours, but Paul Marsh, coming in down the order at number seven, was the only other batsmen to reach double figures as Corsham were bowled out in the 40th over.

Toby Sharpe was Corsham's most succcessful bowler, taking four wickets for 34 runs in 12.5 overs.

Marsh chipped in with figures of three for 53 from15 overs.

CORSHAM hosted the President's Trophy match between the West of England Premier League and the Norrthants Premier League on Sunday.

The West of England League won by15 runs, scoring 253 for eight and then resticting the visitors to 238 for nine. Mike Donaldson (89) top scored for the West of England.