A RICHARD Williams century saw Colwall secure their fourth league victory in five games as they ran out winners by 36 runs against Malmesbury.

COLWALL v MALMESBURY

Winning the toss, skipper Dave Sutton elected to bat although Colwall struggled early on to 25-2 as openers Lincoln Marshal and Tom Wolfendale both fell for single figures. Colwall recovered however to 78-3 as Tim Riley scored 24 and Richard Williams played some outstanding drive shots to make his first half century of the season.

Riley was the first of Shellard's wickets and Richard Bennett the second but after the latter had contributed to a match winning 99 partnership with Williams. Bennett gave an excellent support role with 37 in 58 balls as Williams went on to record his third Colwall century this season.

The pair's sharp running between the wickets matched with a succession of boundaries in the last 15 overs pushed Colwall to 177 for 4 before Bennett was caught superbly at deep mid-on by Tweedale. Williams reached his century in 135 balls and James Wagstaff added 22 in 23 balls late on to ensure the home side passed the 200 mark.

Williams eventually fell lbw to Shellard for 104 having occupied the crease for over 40 overs. Colwall reached 212-5 after their 50 overs.

Williams continued his good form in the Malmesbury innings as well as he and Dave Sutton both took four wickets.

Openers Richardson (47) and Pynn (25) both looked comfortable scoring just under four runs an over but Sutton claimed the latter thanks to Steve Ferguson's stumping.

Simon Cain and Jordan Kontarines bowled well in their opening spells but Richardson and Newman batted well to keep the game open needing 12 off the last 20 overs. Newman fell lbw to Sutton for 40 however and Malmesbury never recovered after that point as Williams bowled Richardson three over later and the middle order collapsed. Gent (24no) gave the visitors some hope but further wickets for Williams (4 for 36 off 9) and Sutton (4 for 54 off 9) condemned Malmesbury to a 36 run defeat finishing on 183-8.

The game also saw Simon Cain's last game for the foreseeable future as he will return to Australia to start a new job.

All at Colwall Cricket Club bid him farewell and thank him for the considerable efforts he has made to the Club in this and in past years.