DAVE Beddard's fine century inspired Goodrich to an impressive three-wicket triumph over previously unbeaten Bulmers in a high-scoring Flint & Cook Marches League Division 1 top-of-the-table clash.

However, it looked like the title favourites would maintain their unbeaten run after Dave Robinson (96), former Hereford player Nick Denny (70 not out) and Richard Wood (56) propelled the home team to a commanding 279-4.

Beddard led Goodrich's spirited victory bid, striking 120, and he also shared a match-winning third-wicket partnership of 144 with prolific batsman Andy Brown (51).

The experienced Dennis Malley (58 not out) also played an influential role in inflicting Bulmers' first defeat of the campaign, which was achieved in the 44th over.

Leominster maintained their challenge for honours with a convincing 74-run win over relegation-threatened Wormelow at Kennel Field.

Free-scoring opening batsman Dave Barrington got Leominster off to a brisk start with a 64-ball innings of 83, containing nine fours and three sixes, which laid the foundations. Leominster skipper Richard Finney (36) and Steve Cole (26 not out) also cashed in for the visitors, who totalled 192-5.

Accurate opening bursts from Richard Marsh (0-18 off 15 overs) and Dale Withers (1-23 off 12) pegged back the Wormelow reply and ensured the home side fell significantly behind the run rate.

Bryan Pedersen carried his bat for 56 and Derek Porter scored 24 and Wormelow eventually closed on a pedestrian 118-5. Andy Dawson was Leominster's most successful bowler, claiming 3-40.

Former champions Talgarth kept alive their hopes of regaining the crown with a comfortable six-wicket success at Garnons.

Once again Garnons' batting disappointed and they were shot out for just 114, with Stuart Griffiths making a defiant 30. Left-arm spinner Neil Morris (5-38) and Sam Williams (2-17) plotted Garnons' downfall with incisive spells.

Australian all-rounder Darren Jury (47 not out) and Gethin Evans (20) ensured Talgarth safely negotiated the target for the loss of four wickets.

A splendid all-round performance from Nick Francis swept Crickhow-ell to a crushing 90-run home victory over struggling Monmouth.

Match-winner Francis (74) blasted 10 fours and two sixes in his 49-ball innings and was backed up by anchorman Owen Morgan, who made a composed 67 before he limped off with an injury, as Crickhowell rattled up 199-5.

Monmouth's batting frailties again surfaced against Francis (4-27), Tim Price (4-41) and Matt Snead (2-36). Only visiting captain Paul Swingwood (46) offered any prolonged resistance for Monmouth, who were rushed out for a paltry 109.

Reigning league champions Canon Frome picked up their first victory of the season with a thrilling 11-run success at Ross.

Andy Rogers (39), Matt Fortnam (37) and Chris Styles (35) were the leading run-getters for Frome, who slipped from 166-4 to 170 all out in the space of 21 deliveries. Seamer Stuart Tucker wreaked havoc with the visiting batsmen, bagging 6-52.

Opening bowler Styles (4-15 from 15) was chiefly responsible for reducing Ross to 63-7 before skipper Steve Earl (49) mounted a brave recovery for Ross with support from Tucker (16) and Ben Warwick (32).

Indeed, Earl shared a 38-run eighth-wicket partnership with Tucker and a 58-run ninth-wicket stand with Warwick to put the home side on the brink of a remarkable success.

And, with just 12 runs needed for victory from four overs, Earl was the last wicket to fall, caught by Simon Cottrell on the square leg boundary off the bowling of Neil Andrews (2-42).