CORSHAM slipped off the top of the Stroud and Swindon Premier League Division One after being held to a draw by newly promoted Taunton on Saturday.

Corsham looked well on the way to victory as they reduced their visitors to 138 for eight, but a dogged eighth wicket partnership allowed Taunton to hold out.

Taunton won the toss and elected to field hoping to take advantage of any moisture in the wicket from the overnight rain.

However a opening partnership of 91 between Richard Greatorex (36) and Mark Coxon (51) gave Corsham a perfect start.

Paul Marsh (26) and Roger Sillence (42) continued the onslaught and a total of 260 to 270 looked attainable but good slow bowling by R Keats (4-46) restrained the Corsham middle order and only Neil Shardlow (35not out) made a notable contribution as Corsham finished their innings on 227 for nine.

In reply Taunton openers Edwards and Wheatley got off to a steady start until Sillence had the dangerous Edwards caught behind by Shardlow.

Wickets then fell at regular intervals and when Wheatley (51) was brilliantly caught at first slip by Marsh Taunton were 138 for eight and a Corsham win looked inevitable.

The visitors' captain Sturmey (52) and Hart (23 not out) had other ideas and a dogged partnership of 71 saw them save the game.

Sillence finished with figures of three for 60.