GRAHAM Gaiger believes his Potterne side would struggle without the exploits of star man Ryan Higgins.

The Zimbabwean has hit the second-highest number of runs in the West of England Premier League this season and has also taken the third-highest number of wickets.

Higgins claimed five wickets to add to his total as Potterne beat struggling Hatherley & Reddings by seven wickets on Saturday. “He’s played international cricket and he’s an outstanding player,” said captain Gaiger.

“He’s the top run-scorer and wicket-taker in our league and we would have struggled in this league without him and his brother Dylan.

“We’re in a position where we won’t go up but we won’t go down and I’d rather have that than be fighting off relegation – it’s just about enjoying the rest of the season now.”

Potterne bowled first after winning the toss and Higgins stifled the Hatherley batsmen.

James Page, Ben Mason, Rikki Jackson, Dylan Higgins and Rory Brown all took a wicket each as the visitors were bowled out for 159 in the 49th over. Shane Cloete led the run-chase for Gaiger’s side with 61 from 44 balls while Dylan Higgins hit 52.

The five-wicket man added 31 with the bat to guide his side to 163-3 in the 25th over.

Potterne’s seventh win of the season sees them sit ting in fifth place in the Glos/Wilts Division table.

Gaiger’s men will be looking to keep the win ning habit when they travel to bottom side Wootton Bassett this weekend.