GOODRICH stretched their lead at the top of the GB Liners Marches League as the battle behind hotted up.

With Luctonians being knocked down from second place following a 26-run defeat by Garnons the leaders were able to stretch their advantage to 21 points.

Cleobury Mortimer got off to a good start against the leaders and reached 79-5 before bowler Chris Abell (5-20) rattled through the tail and gave his side a revised target of 114 from 45 overs.

Opener Chris Tookey set the leaders up with hitting 30 before wicket-keeper Rory Jackson added 27 and James O'Brien an unbeaten 28 as their side reached the target of 115 from just 14.2 overs.

In the crunch game at the top three wickets each from Alan Jones and Carl Lewis helped Garnons to a crucial victory over Luctonians bowling them out for 123 with James Platford (27) top scoring for the visitors.

Earlier in the day Garnons had hit a respectable target of 149 all out with Paul Williams top scoring on 36 despite being hindered by some fine bowling from Pete Griffiths (4-26) and Imalka Kankanamalage (3-23).

The opening partnership of Michael Green (54) and Robert Protheroe (45) again proved decisive for Kington as they remained in the title race following a nine-wicket victory over Builth Wells.