CORSHAM’S hopes of being crowned Premier One champions were all but washed away following their three-run defeat at Bridgwater.

With leaders Frocester and second-placed Bath having their games in the top tier of the West of England Premier League rained off, Saturday was the perfect opportunity for Ashur Morrison’s men to close the gap on the top two and boost their slim title hopes.

Having reduced Bridgwater to 196-9, things were looking bright. However, rain swept across The Parks and proceedings took a turn for the worse.

The Somerset side’s innings were brought to a close with 36 overs gone and left Corsham with 23 overs to chase down a total set by Duckworth/Lewis.

Bridgwater’s run-rate for the 36 overs was 5.44 and had the Station Road men been given a comparable run-rate, they would have been set a total of 125.

However, Morrison’s side were left chasing 140 from 23 overs, at a run-rate of 6.09, and fell three runs short.

“It was very disappointing to come out on the wrong end of a close game,” Morrison said.

“Duckworth/Lewis is a funny system and had it stayed a 36-over game, then I’m confident that we would have won.

“Instead, we get given a very challenging total.

“It was a day that everything went against us, with Frocester and Bath both having their games rained off.

“While the title is still mathematically possible, I can’t see them losing two games.

“We have still got a chance to finish what has been a great season on a high, starting against Potterne this weekend.”

Bridgwater won the toss and opted to bat first and once Nick Harrison had removed openers Merv Hallaran (10) and Adam Hose (9) to leave the hosts at 28-2, a 99-run third-wicket stand between George Bartlett (72) and Chris Gange (35) repaired the early damage.

Corsham were left staring at a big total to chase when Bridgwater moved on to 171-4, but three quick wickets left them 177-7 before they reached 196-9 when the rain came.

When play eventually resumed, Corsham lost two early wickets, with Steve Bullen falling for 15 before Morrison was trapped leg before for a second ball duck.

Gabriel Field (22) and Dwaine Fielding (52) moved the visitors on to 81-2, but then Field, Fielding and Sam Collier went in quick succession to leave Corsham 92-5.

James Arney and Harrison pushed Morrison’s men to the cusp of victory before they ran out of time.

Meanwhile, Jake Roberts 4-19 proved in vain as Potterne's clash with Downend was abandoned.

Praful Waghela hit 50 for the Bristol side as they stood at 95-5 as the contest was rained off after 22.3 overs.