The final league fixture of the season saw the Rams entertain Adlestrop at The Northleach Arena, in a game between the 3^rd and 4^th placed sides in Division 1. It proved to be a close-run affair, with the home side running out winners by 2 wickets, thanks to a 51-run partnership by Richard Blundell and Dickie Hemming.

On another fine batting track, Adlestrop got off to a good start scoring over 60 from the first 20 overs without loss, Matt Barnes (51) leading the way, but wickets then began to fall at regular intervals.

Sam Keen (31) picked up the mantle when he joined the fray, but only two other batsmen reached double figures as young Ben Whitworth, in his second game of the season for the Green & Golds, produced a great spell of bowling as he took 7 wickets for 28 runs from his 10 overs!

Adlestrop reached 128 all out after 36.2 overs.

The home reply started in appalling fashion, losing 3 of the top 4 batsmen for "ducks", and at one point Northleach were 4 wickets down with only 3 runs on the scoreboard! Mark Larner (26) continued to score, but wickets continued to fall.

At 56 for 6 the Northleach run chase looked in dire straits, until Blundell (28) and Hemming (25) steadied the ship in a 51-run partnership with some fine attacking stroke play – Hemming looked strong as he scored several fine boundaries off the bowling of Parker and Keen. It was the return to the attack of Hughes and Henderson that saw the end of this promising pairing before the target was achieved.

With only 22 runs required it was left to Andy Wellman (11 no) and Phil Webb (12 no) to reach the target with a couple of overs to spare, both players showing an array of varied shot-making and intelligent running between the wickets.

This was a very good home victory for the "Rams", who have thoroughly their first season in Division 1.

Roll-on next season!

Ben Whitworth collected this week’s “Roy of the Rovers” award for his outstanding spell of bowling.