Colwall started off the new season at Stowe Lane on Saturday with a narrow three run defeat against Cirencester as a late batting collapse saw Colwall bowled out for 147.

Colwall welcomed back Australian Simon Cain for his third season at the Club and he with fellow paceman Fred Conein helped limit Cirencester early on to just 61 in the first 25 overs.

An excellent first spell of 2 for 20 off 9 from Conein and two wickets for Dave Sutton put Colwall in control but a steady 39 partnership between Rutter 946) and Peyman (32) prevented a middle order collapse. Sutton completed a 15 over spell for only 29 runs and collected two further wickets before a late Cirencester surge saw the visitors reach a mediocre 150 from their 50overs.

A promising opening partnership of 48 from Lincoln Marshall and Tom Wolfendale looked to set Colwall onto victory but with the latter being run out for 37, the home side made hard work of the target from then on.

Newcomers John Beman (29) and Alan Stickles (32) helped Colwall reach 113 with 15 overs remaining but Vrenberegt and Godding struck back to claim five of the last six wickets.

A nervous last few overs ensued though Cirencester went on to bowl Colwall out for 147, only four runs short of the target and begin a disappointing first League result.

COLWALL v OLD ELIZABETHANS

COLWALL ran out winners of this Sunday friendly thanks to a late contribution of 22 in 9 balls from Gareth Bakewell.

Batting first Old Elizabethans scored a healthy 83 inside 20overs but wickets from Damien Berry and Andrew Coomer dismissed the top order. Dale (51) was run out and Simon Cain next collected the first of his five wickets to bowl through the Old Elizabethans line-up. McCallum (38) ensured the visitors reached 179 off their allotted 45 overs.

Colwall struggled early on in their innings and it took a fourth wicket partnership of 70 between Wilmot (43) and Riley to leave the home side requiring 100 off the final 20 overs. Wicket continued to tumble however and only a well timed 63 from Riley kept Colwall in the hunt. With 35 needed in five overs and five wickets remaining Old Elizabethans still looked more likely to take the win but a cameo performance by Gareth Bakewell (22 in 9 balls) and supported well by Damien Berry in the final overs meant Colwall clinched victory on the penultimate ball.

THIS Sunday sees Colwall host their first round zonal tie of the National Village Knockout campaign against Garnons Cricket Club with play commencing at 2pm at Stowe Lane.