Gloucester and Wiltshire League Division Two: GOATACRE'S poor recent run came to an end at near neighbours Purton thanks to a fine bowling and fielding display.

The visitors won the toss and, after electing to field first, made an early breakthrough when opener Booth drove Peter Turner straight to Matt Wilkins at mid-off.

Gardner continued to bat well, but the introduction of change bowlers Rhan Heer and Andy Dawson put a stranglehold on the Purton innings.

Both bowled with immaculate line and length, with Dawson taking one wicket for 14 from 12 overs and Heer accounting for three home batsmen for the loss of 14 runs.

A late flurry from Lancaster, who top scored with 22, and Dean Miles saw Purton reach 125 for seven at the end of their allotted 45 overs.

The Goatacre innings began slowly, with the experienced Carter and Preddy using the conditions well to unsettle the visiting batsmen. Dawson fell early, but Turner and Andy Donegan both batted sensibly before both fell in quick succession to Preddy.

The introduction of Miles saw wickets continue to fall and, at 90 for seven, Goatacre were in some trouble.

Purton sensed their first victory of the season when Miles had Kevin Iles caught at slip for his fourth wicket, but a determined 24 not out from Adam Iles saw the visitors edge victory by two wickets in the 42nd over.