METHODISTS gained a seven-wicket away win over Whitchurch 3rd XI. Asked to bat first, the home side lost both openers with just six runs on the board and soon lost a third wicket to the left-arm seam of Paul Evans (1-26).

Now 26-3, Whitchurch needed a partnership, and Charlie Farmer (51) & Jez Howell (48) were the pair to do it and added 71 valuable runs.

However. the experienced Stuart Green removed the dangerous Farmer - setting the stage for Ish Fairoz (2-24) and David Baker (3-24) to turn the tide again.

Three wickets in a short period saw the home team slump to 129-7, but Dilan Ridma joined young Josh Gwyther (29) to build another vital stand of 29. The dogged Ridma (28*) then added another handy 23 before they were ultimately bowled out for 194 in the final over.

After the break, skipper Alex Nash re-found his form to guide the Methodists home. Partnerships of 31 with Baker and another 64 with Richard Brand (23) saw the visitors race to one hundred in just the fourteenth over.

An unbroken fourth-wicket stand of 94 with Green (18*) saw the unstoppable Nash (136*) recording his third century of the season, and leading Methodists to a seven-wicket win.

Whitchurch 3rds 194, Methodists 195-3.