Resurgent Redmarley enjoyed a stunning three-run win over leaders Corse and Staunton on Saturday to maintain their hopes of beating the drop from Division One of the Gloucestershire Cricket League.

It was their second win in a row after thumping high-flying Chipping Campden by eight wickets the previous week.

That victory nine days ago was very impressive as they chased down the visitors’ 233-4 inside 42 overs, but they had to work much harder for their win on Saturday.

“We nearly threw it away,” admitted skipper Andrew Green. “Their last man had a big swing, got a top edge and was caught.”

The catch was taken by Craig Stow off the bowling of off-spinner Sam Mattingley and it ended a last-wicket partnership of 39 between Callum King (17) and Tristan Maree (22 not) which had taken the home side to the brink of victory.

They were chasing Redmarley’s all out total of 149 and Green said: “When they came together I didn’t expect them to get close.

“But they can all bat, there’s no proper number 11. They’re top of the table for a reason, they’re a good side.”

Rich Henry made the early inroads into the Corse and Staunton batting, taking 4-24 in his nine overs.

“He bowled really well, he had it swinging miles,” added Green.

Henry had earlier shared in an opening partnership of 78 with Charlie Ayland, who top-scored with 42, but after that only Stow (37), batting at four, reached double figures.

Green had won the toss and he said: “It wasn’t a very good wicket, it was a used wicket, it was a little bit up and down.  

“The batsmen needed pace on the ball but as soon as the pace came off it was very difficult to score.

“It was a much-needed win for us and it was a very good win. We go to Cirencester on Saturday and if we can beat them we might drag them back into it.”

Cirencester are fifth in the 10-strong division, 36 points and four places above Redmarley.

The bottom two go down and with four games remaining Redmarley trail eighth-placed Lydney 2nds by 14 points.

After Cirencester, Redmarley host third-paced Cheltenham Civil Service and travel to title-chasing Cheltenham 2nds, before completing their campaign at home to bottom-of-the-table Kingsholm on Saturday 30^th August.

“It’s very much in our hands,” added Green.

Corse and Staunton, who were beaten by 10 runs by Cheltenham 2nds the previous week, travel to Cheltenham Civil Service on Saturday before playing Kingsholm (home), Cirencester (away) and Rockhampton (home).

They hold a two-point advantage over Cheltenham 2nds and are 27 pints clear of third-placed Cheltenham Civil Service. The top two are promoted.