BIDDESTONE are still sitting pretty at the top of the Glos/Wilts Division but Saturday saw a run of five consecutive wins come to an end as Dwaine Perry’s side were comprensively beaten by sixth-placed Stroud.

The league leaders won the toss and opted to bat first, with skipper Perry top-scoring with 31.

Nick Hudson made 23 from 26 deliveries while Naeem Khan hit 20 from 21 balls but the Stroud bowlers made life tough for the visitors.

Ben Morgan was instrumental for his side as he claimed six wickets for just 22 runs while Paul Frape took a further two as Biddestone were skittled for 148 in the 44th over.

Number three Alistair Bell led the run-chase for the hosts with an unbeaten top-score of 58.

Chris Job made 42 while fellow opener Kieran Smith added 32 before he became one of two wickets to fall to Paul Walden.

However, the damage was already done as the home side reached 152-3 at the start of the 44th over.

A second defeat of the season saw Biddestone’s advantage over second-placed Gloucester City Winget cut down to size after their title-rivals notched up a 6-wicket win over Marshfield.

Russell Lodge made 79 for James Williams’ side but Gloucester’s Adam Picton took four wickets as Marshfield was skittled for 169.

Bobby Jenkins took two Gloucester wickets but Richard Howell hit an unbeaten 89 as they reached 172-4 in 36 overs.

Biddestone host fouth-placed Swindon this weekend while eighth-placed Marshfield are away to fellow strugglers Hatherley & Reddings.