CHIPPING Sodbury turned on the style to complete two outstanding victories over the weekend, backing up an excellent league display with a battling performance in the cup.

Fresh from inflicting a first defeat of the campaign on WEPL Gloucestershire division leaders Tewkesbury, Sodbury trumped second-placed Gloucester by 33 runs to continue closing the gap on the two pacesetters as the season reached its mid point.

Jiwanjot Singh’s 50 was the highlight of Sodbury’s challenge of 221 which appeared to be well within range as Gloucester reached 131-4 in reply.

But the home attack put the squeeze on to close out the victory, Jamie Wakefield hitting the stumps four times on his way to a return of 4-45 with Eddie Holden (3-26), Singh (1-33 from ten) and captain Jamie Rendell (0-27 from ten) also playing key roles.

Sodbury took the confidence gained from such a strong result into the Gloucestershire Cup the next day, piling up 296-8 against Bourton Vale thanks mainly to Singh (113) and 17-year-old Dan Lambert (53).

But visitors Bourton Vale then took advantage of some wayward bowling to stroll to 182-3 and take control. However the home side rallied through Singh (3-26) before teenager Matt Elmore grabbed 2-3 to wrap up an excellent win.

Sodbury 2nds lost by four wickets at Cricklade while the 3rds went down by 100 runs away to leaders Bristol New Eleven.

But there was a superb 59-run home success for the 4ths over Frampton 2nds with skipper Jay Penfold (78), Ronnie Freeman (60 not) and Paul Nethercote (50) helping their side pile up 287-7.

Tim Gray then produced career-best figures of 5-41 to help secure a memorable win.

Sodbury also managed to field a Development XI on Sunday which fought hard before succumbing by 26 runs against Cotham Porter Stores, Gautham Manchikalapati taking 2-20 and fellow teenager Steve Elmore finishing unbeaten on 53.