Builth Wells lost for just the third time this season in the Worcester Cricket League Division Seven (South) beaten by a narrow 11-run margin at former Marches League rivals, Garnons who batted first and were all out for 250 in the 44th over.

Craig Lawrence (43) and George Debenham (25) got them off to a good start but it was Darren Ford (65), batting at number six, who was Garnons’ topscorer. Builth captain, Dylan McPhee was the pick of the bowlers with an impressive 3-11 from his nine overs while Martin Hurst took 2 for 39 in his overs. The other bowlers were however more expensive as Garnons set a challenging total, with 49 extras helping their cause.

Builth lost early wickets in their reply with Neil Harris and Sam Buckler failing to trouble the scorers. Tim Richards (37) and Aled Powell put Builth back on track and Musa Makhubela weighed in with 38. There were runs too for Chris Jones (35), Martin Hurst (21) and Harri Phillips (17) but Builth fell agonisingly short being dismissed for 239 with three over remaining.

Meanwhile, Hay enjoyed a nine-wicket victory over Ledbury 2nds in Division Eight (South). Ledbury chose to bat first but tight bowling restricted them to 163 for 9 from their 45 overs. John Sly (3-26) led the wicket takers with Gabriel Moore picking up 2 for 28 from his nine overs. There was a wicket each also for Gareth Grant, Thomas Davies and Gus Price as well as a run out.

Grant and Tim Masters put on 45 when Hay batted before Masters was caught for 22. Grant (78 not out) and Ben Warn (56 not out) saw Hay home with ease with an unbroken 121 partnership. Grant hit twelve fours and three sixes while Warn struck ten fours.

Hay remain third in the table behind Luctonians and Kington, the latter recording a huge 192 run win against Eastnor 2nds. Henry Powell hit a fine 141 for Kington and Rob Stokes made 78 as the border club amassed 349 for 7. In reply, Eastnor were bowled out for 157 with Aiden Mills taking 5-32.