A FREAK injury to Bulmers all-rounder Steve Fortey just minutes before he was due to open the bowling failed to stop the in-form Cidermen securing a three-wicket win over former champions Talgarth in the only completed Flint & Cook Marches League Division 1 clash.

Fortey was taken to hospital with a cut above his left ear after being accidentally struck by ball as he warmed up in the pavilion. Fortey was later released from hospital with a headache, but only returned to the ground to pick up his cricket bag.

A visiting player is believed to have hit the ball while his side were 'knocking up.'

In the match itself, the Cidermen's depleted attack did well to restrict Talgarth to 161-8, with veteran seam bowler John Worle capturing 3-30 and Matt Dunkerley, 3-44.

Des Parry top-scored for the Welsh club with 33, while G Price, 28, and W Klaser, 25, both weighed in.

In reply, Alan Stokes (31 not out) led Bulmers to victory. Dave Robinson (30), Colin Jones (28) and Anthony Rivett (24) also made useful contributions in the successful run-chase as the hosts maintained their title challenge.

All the other matches in the section fell victim to the wet weather.

Runaway Division 2 leaders Leominster roared to their ninth consecutive league win - and their first double of the campaign - with a six-wicket home defeat of Builth Wells.

Seamers Chris Chadd (5-19) and Richard Marsh (2-31) were chiefly responsible for dismissing 10-man Builth for just 86 in the 32nd over, despite 26 from S Bowers and 15 from T Richards.

All-rounder Russell Palmer then hit a quick 32, Mark Morris, 28, and Noel Withers, 14, as Leominster clinched another important victory in the 20th over. S Clarridge (2-15) and T Jones (2-37) shared the Leominster wickets to fall.

Glangrwyney romped to a nine-wicket home win over neighbours Llanvap-ley.

Edward Lovell (62) provided the cornerstone of Llanvapley's 171-8, but was well supported by his father, Richard (18), and Richard Harbottle (25).

Phil Bowker was the home team's most successful bowler, claiming 3-53.

Mike Parker struck an unbeaten 79, and Paul Cornock, 47 not out, to lead Glangrwyney to their target in style. Opener Paul Daniel (28) was the only wicket to fall as the hosts produced an impressive batting display.