Malmesbury travelled to leaders Frocester on Saturday, and were asked to bat.

The score moved along steadily after the early loss of a wicket. At 76-1 after 25 overs, Jeremy Newman and Chris Hurst were well set, and reached 40 and 30 respectively.

The pitch had damp patches but 200-plus was a feasible target.

After their dismissal only James Pearce-Smith, Ian Gould and Ben Taylor reached double figures.

But there were no significant partnerships, no-one scored heavily, and the total only reached 149, just short of a batting point.

In reply the best bowling came from Richard Mosdell, Ian Gould, Mark Lester and Richard Gaunt, but a few catches were spilled.

However the dangerous Trainor gave himself up early, trying for a third boundary in one Ian Gould over.

The remaining Frocester batsmen were positive enough to prevent any hope of a collapse, and won with 13 overs to spare.

There were not enough runs to cause sufficient pressure on the batsmen.

Yet again the Malmesbury batting was short of the standard required to win matches.

They need better application against bowling that is not impossible to master.