Matt's fine all-round form helps Downend to defeat Thornbury.

(From Bristol Evening Post)

MATT Gowling impressed with bat and ball to help Downend to a convincing Section B victory over Thornbury Blue.

Gowling made 22 not out, to add to a knock of 53 by Nathan Rennolds, as Thornbury finished on 194-1. He then claimed 2-2 with the ball as Thornbury were skittled out for 49. George Amos took 4-6 to help Downend to a 145-run victory.

Winterbourne B claimed their first victory of the season thanks to some inspired bowling by Aanand Mistry. Winterbourne made 117-4 before Mistry's 4-11 helped bowl out Bradley Stoke for 50.

Winterbourne also made progress in the Frank Benner Cup with a two-wicket preliminary-round victory over Bishopston A Ben Slade scored 40 as Winterbourne successfully chased a target of 92. Joe Cook, with 39 not out, and James Wright, with 3-15, performed well for Bishopston A, while Joe Lane claimed 3-15 for the victors.

Thornbury Red lead the way in Section A after Tom Williams made 50 (retired) in a 75-run win over Frampton Cotterell.

Chipping Sodbury had a 63-run win over Patchway. Ben Makepeace (50 no) and Aaron Beal (35 no) led Sodbury to 121-0, before Thomas Anthony (2-15) and Nicky Thomas (3-4) helped restrict Patchway to 58-9. Almondsbury claimed their first victory of the season with a 10-wicket success over Winterbourne A. Impressive …