Weston’s Andy Fear carried his bat to help Weston to victory over Lechlade.

WESTON welcomed mid-table rivals Lechlade to Devonshire Road and after winning the toss, put them into bat.

Charl Willoughby (2-17) and Sean Stringer (1-40) continued their excellent new ball form and it was Willoughby who made a double breakthrough removing and Breet the next ball.

Stringer was rewarded when he clean bowled Thornley, before Andy Fear picked opener Godding for 33, caught well by Stringer, and Higgins caught by John Davidson for 11.

Chris Davidson bowled Goddard (11) to put Weston in front at halfway. The medium pace pair bowled 20 overs conceding just 54 runs to ensure at the 30-over mark, Lechlade were struggling at 70-6.

However, league top scorer Brad Dial batting at eight due to injury and Offord dug in and rode some early chances to push Lechlade beyond 100. As Weston pushed for wickets, the pair began scoring with more ease and looked more and more comfortable.

It proved to be an excellent 107-run partnership which enabled Lechlade to reach 174. Weston were disappointed not to capitalise on a superb start, but knew 174 was probably short of par. Dial finished 53 not out and Offord 39 not out.

Weston opened their innings with 15-year-old debutant Daniel Press, a product of the youth system who has been scoring consistent runs in the 2nd XI. After getting off the mark in the first over, Press was bowled in the next.

Shabel Ahmed looked in excellent touch as he and Fear pushed Weston passed 50 but Ahmed fell clean bowled by Godding for 16. Jamie Howson showed encouraging signs of his talent as he helped Fear push the game to Lechlade.

Howson however, was brilliantly caught at slip by Breet for 14 off the bowling of Novais. Matt Kearsey joined Fear and the introduction of leg spinner Higgins looked to be the turning point for Weston as both batters cleared the ropes.

However, Kearsey was unluckily bowled around his legs for 15. Fear brought up his 50 as James King supported him before he was dismissed for 10.

Fear continued to play with ease as he got to 81 before some boundaries from John Davidson (20 not out) saw Weston home by five wickets with 11 overs to spare.

Man of the match went to Andrew Fear as he guided Weston to a third successful run chase, all of which have seen him carry his bat. Dan Press became the third home grown player to debut for the 1st XI this season, and despite missing out on runs, showed an excellent attitude and made a valuable contribution in the field.

This week Weston travel to fourth-placed Thornbury knowing a win will keep them in touch with the top three.