CINDERFORD St John's took neighbouring Lydney to the cleaners with a comprehensive victory at The Recreation Ground on Saturday.

Billed as the cricket battle of the season, St John's were playing at The Rec for the first time since winning promotion to the Gloucestershire and Wiltshire League.

"On paper Lydney looked the strongest side we have played this season and in many respects it was a remarkable game. After eight overs it looked as though we would be chasing a huge total but it never worked out that way and in the end we won convincingly with 10 overs to spare," said St John's captain Steve Roberts.

Lydney's Neil James was quick to acknowledge Cinderford's achievement.

"They made a double bowling change just at the point at which we were looking to step up a gear. It worked really well and with their slower bowlers operating they checked our scoring and then the wickets began to tumble.

"Credit to them, they have stepped up a league and had a point to prove and they proved it. They were the better team on the day," said James.

Lydney started with some violent big hitting. They had scored 60 without loss after just eight overs the chief contribution coming from Andrew Hamilton who scored 38. Top scorer was Jonathan Kear who hit 65.

Lydney were well placed at 121 for the loss of two wickets after only 24 overs and had set a target of another 100 runs off the last 20.

But the introduction of slow bowlers Paul Gale and brother Craig and Julian Kibble and John Evans proved their undoing.

Gale's accuracy slowed the rate of scoring and Julian Kibble took four for 18 off 12 as Lydney slumped to 170 all out.

It was a comfortable target on an excellent batting strip and Cinderford were home and dry for the loss of just three weeks and enjoying a beer with 10 overs in hand. Nigel Cartwright batted brilliantly and scored 98 before being run out and enjoyed a partnership of 98 with Mark Whitney for the first wicket.

Both teams are now comfortably placed in mid-table and looking forward to the return at Cinderford at the end of August.

"Hats off to Cinderford as they fully deserved their win. We will want a big improvement when we play them next month," said James.