DAVE Millard grabbed career-best figures of 7-27 from only 7.2 overs to help pave the way for Gloucestershire O50s’ second string to defeat their Wiltshire counterparts at Malmesbury by four wickets.
Wiltshire were building nicely at 125-3 after losing the toss when Millard was introduced to the attack and caught and bowled Alan Baylis for 57.
And the Whitchurch all-rounder (above) proceeded to run through the rest of the card, assisted by some fine work behind the timbers from Steve Jones who finished with four stumpings as Wiltshire folded to 169 all out.
Gloucestershire chipped away at their target led by Andy Jones (39) and Mike Courtiour (35) to get over the line with seven overs to spare for their seventh win from eight matches played.
The Over 60s, meanwhile, maintained their unbeaten record but were pushed all the way by Wales at Bishopston, wrapping up a two-wicket success with just one ball to spare thanks mainly to Ed Gordon Lennox’s superb 100 not out off 80 (12 fours, one six).
Ed, who has been named in the England O60 squad for the Grey Ashes series against Australia later this month, survived giving an early chance to dominate his side’s reply to Wales’ total of 205-9.
The visitors were restricted by John Turton, whose nine overs cost only 10 runs, while John Courtney captured 4-47 and captain Nick Marment 2-44.
The O60s’ third XI, though, went down by 40 runs at home to their Wales counterparts, opener Ian Martin top scoring on 82.
Bill Lawrence, meanwhile, marked his debut for Gloucestershire O70s with an unbeaten 121 from 113 (13 fours) in a 22-run home triumph against Somerset at Frocester.
Lawrence and opening partner Keith Daniels (72) put on 199 to pave the way for a total of 276-3.
And Somerset were then restricted to a reply of 254-5, Howard Johnson taking 3-38 from nine while there were also two wickets for Graham Clarke.
Main image – Gloucestershire Over 70s, back row, left to right: John Liggins, David Taylor, David Collinson, Dick Tugwell, Graham Clarke, Phil Dickenson, John Evans, Ian Bentley, Ernie Allen, Mike Stratan.
Front: Fred Bayliss, Howard Johnson, Roger Beese, Rick Carman, Keith Daniels.