THE elements contrived to work against Nationwide for the second week in succession as Joe Perkins’ side were defeated by Lechlade by 98 runs in Wilts One on Saturday.

In a wet haze, which affected the outfield and grip of the ball throughout, visiting opener Adrian Stenner made the most of anything wide and short to race to 133 in just 116 balls, before his blitzkrieg knock was ended by Nationwide spinner Mark Flay, who recorded 5-65 from 10 overs.

With captain Paul Godding’s unbeaten 42 adding weight to the Lechlade total, Nationwide were faced with an ominous target of 253 to win - a total which could have been a lot less but for the grounding of five catches.

“On the day it drizzled all day causing the outfield to be soaking wet,” said Nationwide skipper Perkins.

“Our strike bowlers could only bowl at half pace and we bowled with a wet ball all innings in arctic conditions.

“It is a true fact that catches win matches, as because of the conditions we dropped five catches, allowing their imports to show greater experience than us to post a big total.”

Replying, Nationwide were unable to demonstrate the ferocity out of the blocks exhibited by Stenner, and despite a solid opening partnership of 42 between Flay and Nick Clarke, the hosts collapsed dramatically as import Stenner showed an equal proficiency with the ball to claim 3-33, all lbw.

Mark Sheppard and Darren Milne stabilised the innings momentarily with a partnership of 45 which offered some respectability to the chase, but Nationwide’s final four wickets fell for just five runs.

Perkins was keen to isolate the positives, but the home captain will be desperate for results, and the weather, to start to improve when his side face Purton this weekend.

“Our two slow bowlers were superb, with Mark Flay taking five wickets and Andy Lewis bowling far better than his figures showed,” he said.

“We had a great start with the bat, Unfortunately our lbw curse returned from last season and to be honest we didn't bat in the conditions as well as Lechlade.

“Mark and Darren gave us fresh hope, but once they were gone our tail succumbed to the cold.

“But we have to take some promising individual performances and a solid team spirit into the Purton game in the hope that some good weather joins us.”