CORSHAM: FROCESTER became the latest victims for resurgent Corsham in a surprisingly one-sided encounter at Station Road.

The visitors had entertained thoughts of catching league leaders Bath before the start of play but left licking their wounds after a comprehensive seven-wicket defeat. Corsham were indebted to their former Durham off-spinner Jason Searle, who spun his wicked web to claim five wickets as Frocester were dismissed for a modest 163.

Wiltshire duo Peter Dennett and Michael Coles came together after tea to steer the home side to victory inside 40 overs. Corsham tackle runaway Premier One leaders Bath at North Parade tomorrow, a match captain Neil Shardlow believes his side can win.

He said: "We've not got the best record down at Bath but we've got some new players this year and we go into the match full of confidence. "We were poor when we played them earlier in the season but after a few wins I think we can give them a good game."

Shardlow has been delighted with his side's progress after a slow start to the season which saw them lose three of their opening four league fixtures. Three wins and two draws from their last five matches has propelled Corsham into the top half of the table for the first time this summer and Shardlow is keen to continue the trend.

He said: "We have played some positive cricket over the last few weeks and it showed in our performance against Frocester.

"Normally, we would look to take the initiative and bat first at home, but it was fairly green wicket on Saturday and that's why we stuck them in.

"Jason Searle bowled really well to keep them tied down and the batsmen finished the job. It was a good team performance." Former Gloucestershire opener Nick Trainor struck nine fours and one six in his innings of 61, before he gloved Searle to a grateful Shardlow behind the stumps.

Adam Robson (28) produced the only other meaningful score as Searle squeezed the life out of the Frocester middle order. South African Chris Peyper took three wickets in two energetic bursts and Michael Coles claimed one for nine as the visitors were bowled out in the 52nd over.

In reply, Peyper was looking good before he mis-timed a pull shot and was caught for 17 off the bowling of Ben Gannon. The Frocester seamer also removed opener Oliver Smith for 10 as Corsham stuttered to 47 for 2. But Dennett (64) and Coles (52) steadied the ship for Corsham as the hosts sailed to a seven-wicket win.