SURVIVING relegation from Premier One remains Goatacre’s target for this season, despite suffering another setback when losing by two wickets to Bedminster at the weekend.

Goatacre’s latest fixture was one of only two Premier One fixtures to survive the widespread rain at the weekend, but Ed Wilkins’ troops were probably wishing their fixture had been called off as they only managed to earn four points from the contest.

A tired wicket meant Goatacre could only edge their way to 96 all out – only David Miles and Liam Dawson could pass double figures – before Bedminster reached their target with two wickets spare.

Despite the loss, Wilkins remains focussed on avoiding relegation from the top tier having only been promoted to the division last season.

He said: “It was quite a tired wicket. We’re getting towards the end of the season now and it’s been very dry.

“It wasn’t that bad, they bowled very well and we just didn’t apply ourselves with the bat.

“We didn’t bat well enough, but we bowled well and gave ourselves a bit of a chance.”

Three wins in 15 matches mean Goatacre currently sit ninth in Premier One, 19 points behind the safety of Taunton in eighth.

Despite there being just three games left, captain Wilkins believes avoiding relegation is a realistic target that his side can aim for.

He said: “It’s been a tough season, and we knew it would be tough coming up to this league - we’ve only been outclassed two or three times.

“If we can get one, probably two, wins then we could still stay up if Taunton lose their games – that’s the goal for us.”

Elsewhere in WEPL Wiltshire, Biddestone were granted a walkover at home to Lechlade while all other regional fixtures were abandoned.

Meanwhile Goatacre will celebrate the club’s 90th anniversary next Sunday, August 26, by hosting a inter-club six-a-side competition featuring players from the past and present.

Food will be available during the day with a hog roast and music before the final starts at 5pm.