LEAGUE leaders Chipping Sodbury got a lucky escape on Saturday when the heavens opened after they had just been bowled out for 89 at Nailsea.

Perhaps what saved Sodbury is that they were able to last for 42.2 overs in an innings where they failed to reach triple figures.

After Sodbury were reduced to 32-5, Stephen Clapp played a major role with 27 off 83 balls as no other batsman scored more than 16.

Like every other game in the division, the match was abandoned meaning Sodbury stay top of the table and remain on course for promotion ahead of their local derby against Hambrook at the Ridings on Saturday (1.45pm).

Hambrook’s match against Congresbury last weekend was abandoned after they were bowled out for 149 in their first innings.

WEPL Bristol & North Somerset 2nd XI - Chipping Sodbury (200-8) beat Nailsea (199-5) by two wickets

Chipping Sodbury were involved in another thrilling game to creep home by two wickets for the second week in a row.

The fact that there was a result at all was testament to both teams as constant drizzle meant most other games in the area were abandoned.

Sodbury elected to field first but were soon made to regret the decision as the Nailsea opening pair put on a century stand.

However, the introduction of Mark Graham put the brakes on the visitors’ innings as he claimed 3-52 to restrict them to 199-5 from their 45 overs.

Mason Poole (1-50) and Kriss Hemming (1-40) were the other wicket tackers.

Sodbury got off to a poor start as they fell to 35-3.

However, the impressive Nick Wake and in-form Mark Reynolds restored some order and set about their target.

The duo put on 75 before Reynolds fell for 29.

Skipper Mike Pearson then fell without troubling the scorers and Wake was soon caught out to end another fine knock of 60.

Graham followed on his fine form with the ball to guide Sodbury and their lower order closer to their target.

Mason Poole proved a valuable foil before he fell for 12 before Graham and Aid Forrester finished the job with an excellent stand of 26.

Forrester finished 17 not out but it was Graham who stole the show as he finished 35 not out as Sodbury won with seven balls to spare.