MAHDI Saleem’s second successive century helped inspire Downend 2nds to a 116-run win away to bottom side Claverham to keep his side in with a chance of promotion from the Martin Berrill Sports Bristol & District League’s Senior Division.
The visitors totalled 261-3 after winning the toss, Saleem taking charge as he followed up his 105 the previous week against Golden Hill 2nds. Claverham, in reply, were bowled out for 145, Dave Goodway and Will Duggan both taking four wickets.
Downend remain second, but are now 19 points ahead of closest rivals Coalpit Heath who overcame fellow high flyers Golden Hill by six wickets
Matt Belbin (81) and James Norris (46) found form before Aaron Jones (5-35 from eight) and Jack Williams (3-28 from 6.1) struck as Golden Hill were dismissed for 178.
Danny Slade (58 not) then led Heath to the points.
Leaders Bath 2nds overcame Hanham by 28 runs while Winterbourne skittled Portishead for 84 ahead of completing a nine wicket victory, Corey Kislingbury taking 4-13 from seven.
In Division Two, Bishopston 2nds harmed Shirehampton’s promotion ambitions with an exciting one wicket victory off the last ball of the match.
Shire totalled 223-5 after losing the toss, opener Aiden Lee hitting 72 while captain Nathan Brown was unbeaten on 61.
Bish, in reply, were battling at 117-6 but pulled themselves back into contention through Joe Cook (66) and then Ned Nicol (26) before the final wicket pair of Joe Baggaley Mott (28 not) and Ed Marshall got the job done.
Shire stay second but are now only one point ahead of Knowle 2nds who defeated lowly Frampton Cotterell by 64 runs, Dale Ellis (79) and Jake Haynes (64 not) starring before Harry Britton took 5-19 from eight.
Leaders Bristol 3rds inflicted a three wicket home defeat on Old Down, James Hutchings top scoring on 76.
In Division Nine West, Frenchay 5th were rushed out for only 61 by Parmik Tomar who took 6-13 from 4.5 overs, paving the way for Old Caths 2nds to coast in by nine wickets.
Pakistani Express are the new leaders of Division Three courtesy of a 95-run success away to Bitton while previous pacesetters Bedminster 3rds slipped up by two wickets at home to Frenchay 2nds.