Minchinhampton went into the penultimate game of the season away to Painswick, knowing a win would seal victory in the division. With usual skipper Pitman earning a call up to the first team, stand in Rich Scott won the toss & elected to bat first.

Scott & Creedon opened up and wickets were soon falling, Creedon & Will Naish were removed by the accurate Coates who deserved more than his final 2-17. Ollie Cooper played a few shots but was caught when on 18 and when he was followed by Screen & debutant Telford, Minch were in trouble at 67-5

At this point Jack Cartledge joined Scott and together they slowly started to repair the innings, playing sensibly and with a little luck, as both were dropped, steadily they built the innings Cartledge playing really well and playing within himself, they reached the point where they started to increase the tempo before Scott played on trying one shot too many and was bowled for 72, the pair adding 70 valuable runs. Chris Davis joined Cartledge and they continued to step up the pace adding a further 40 before Cartledge was cruelly caught in the deep for 49, his second for the club.

Davis, Marcus, Cole and Andy Naish all played some good shots & saw the visitors passed the 200 mark, with Naish playing a memorable cheeky reverse sweep. The Painswick skipper Barnard again took wickets against Minch with another 5 wickets, bowling his off spin.

Wilkie & Powis opened up for Painswick, scoring at 3 an over they were difficult to break down, passing 50 for the opening stand. Cole, Will Naish & Rob Telford all bowled economically & well but were unable to break through. Scott swapped his bowlers trying to get the wicket before the rain came in, the shower arrived but was to last only a few minutes and the teams were soon back on.

With Ron Birch already bowling at the one end, he was joined by Ollie Cooper and these two were to see Minch home taking all 10 wickets between them with 5 a piece, both of them their maiden 5 wicket hauls for Minch.

The first wicket finally came when Birch had Powis caught well by Telford in the deep, he was quickly followed by the dangerous Wilkie cleaned bowled Cooper for 30, who then bowled another next ball, Scott held an excellent diving catch in the deep to give Birch another wicket. There was then a parade of wickets with Cooper taking all 5 of his wickets clean bowled and for just 8 runs, while Birch took his 5 for 38 at the end he always enjoyed bowling at for the Commoners. Stand in keeper Andy Naish taking the catch to win the game, following a good day behind the stumps. Painswick finally finishing on 81.

An excellent victory for Minch which will see them crowned as League winners, a fantastic season. Well done and thanks to all who have played for the seconds this year, where we have had a great team spirit.