AXBRIDGE'S run of bad luck continues, with two close games lost to Priddy and Cheddar and one heavy defeat away to Draycott.

AXBRIDGE'S run of bad luck continues, with two close games lost to Priddy and Cheddar and one heavy defeat away to Draycott.

At Allerton, Priddy were restricted to 119, with Malcolm Greenhalgh (2-9) virtually unplayable and Pete Would (2-24) metronomic at the death. However, the hosts were one man short and this began to tell as wickets fell steadily, despite the best efforts of captain Phil Saunders (18). The retirement of Kevin Grinstead (32 not out) did not help, but at least some late hitting by Nick Pyatt (17 not out) and Would got Axbridge within six of the total.

The Cheddar game at Allerton saw another excellent bowling display by the home side, this time led by Nick Jarman (4-16) and Sharif Syed (2-6). Axbridge then looked set to make the 138 required, with Saunders (15) playing the sheet anchor role. Unfortunately, Don Pelham (84) perished with only two to get, in a 40th over that also saw the wickets of Will Taylor, Chris Jarman and Sharif Syed.

After three games cancelled, Axbridge were glad of a clear blue sky at Draycott. However, the summer fun did not last long, as a batting line-up that looked strong on paper began an orderly procession back to the shed. Mark Jelbert (12) and Chris Jarman (15) made the only significant contributions to accompany Pelham (61). Even the dour and determined Saunders could not see out the overs, or stop Steve Russet taking 5-3.

Loughlin (57 not out) and J Simms (47 not out) knocked off most of the required 139 without much trouble. But at least the foreshortened game meant that post-match refreshments could be taken in the early evening sunshine.