Congresbury slumped to a 90-run defeat to Pak Bristolians in a game that was their for the taking.

Another woeful batting performance saw Congresbury slump to a 90-run defeat against Pak Bristolians in a game that was theirs for the taking after excellent bowling had reduced the visiting Bristolians to 177 all out from 120-2.

The defeat, following an even heavier loss the previous week, dropped Congresbury to fifth in the Bristol & District Senior division, just three weeks after being top of the table.

In a rain-affected match reduced to 37 overs-a-side, Pak Bristolians were put into bat by Congresbury and made a solid start thanks to openers Shazil Mustafa (54) and Saqib Butt (34).

At one point it looked like the home side could be facing a run chase in excess of 230, but spinners Sam Evans (4-39) and Carl Robinson (3-25) had different ideas and the visitors were eventually all out in the 36th over.

What should have been a routine run chase at less than five runs an over, soon evaporated thanks to accurate bowling. Only two batsmen showed any real resistance – Stuart Castle, promoted to No 3 after an excellent 128 for the 2nd XI the previous week, lasted 46 balls and was top scorer on 24 before being lbw to leg-spinner Shravan Mandhana and Evans who ended not out on 17, including one glorious straight drive for six and faced 33 balls.

On Saturday, Congresbury are away to sixth-placed Timsbury, while the 2nd XI, chasing that elusive victory that will take them out of the relegation zone, entertain Bristol YMCA.