Lympsham’s hopes of promotion were dented by defeat by Bristol Sri Lankans.

LYMPSHAM travelled to Barrow Gurney to play Bristol Sri Lankans, in a match they had to win if a realistic push for promotion was to be maintained.

Skipper Jamie Howson lost the toss and was invited to bat and the visitors got off to the worst possible start, with opener Rich Ford dismissed for a duck off the last ball of the first over.

The skipper joined Dave Luff, but he to fell early, to be replaced at the crease by his vice-captain Jason Parsons. Luff and Parsons steadily progressed, but they fell cheaply and a reasonable score now relied on the middle order.

They responded admirably with youngsters Jack Luff and Lympsham Concrete man of the match Tom Gooding both recording half centuries. With veteran Andy Hall chipping in with some valuable runs at the end, a reasonable total of 222-5 was posted.

In reply, the visitors dealt the Sri Lankans some early blows, with Brendon Summers dismissing both openers cheaply, but the hosts dug in and despite losing a further three wickets they ran out comfortable winners reaching their victory target with seven overs to spare.

This defeat means that Lympsham now have only an outside chance of promotion with just seven league matches to play.

? Lympsham 2nd XI entertained Twyford House from Bristol in what was a relegation battle.

Skipper Simon Cowgill won the toss and invited the visitors to bat, and opening bowler Windows Merchants man of the match Liam Morris (5-51) had instant success, removing both openers cheaply, but this brought the Twyford skipper Murphy (86) to the wicket.

He batted with authority, and despite losing regular partners, he led his side to a reasonable total of 179-7 in their allotted overs.

In reply, the hosts made the worst possible start, with visiting opening bowlers Ball (5-22) and Carrington (4-21) bowling impressive spells.

The home side lost regular wickets including three in one over, and they found themselves 45- 8 at one stage.

Opener Rich Drew (53) managed to stay at the wicket, and with a late cameo by young Nathan James (11), a total of 104 all out was reached.

This was a poor performance and leaves the home side in a real tussle to stay in the division.