BOURTON Vale and Apperley contested a stunning game in the West of England Premier Cricket League Second XI Gloucester Division.

Vale’s Chris Hughes and Jay Mosson enjoyed a mammoth opening partnership of 281 runs but still ended up on the losing side.

Hughes smashed 177 and Mosson 136 in the third-from-bottom Cotswold side’s huge 340-6 from 45 overs before Roger Smith intervened with 4-54.

The hosts’ response was similarly powerful but the runs were shared around as they recorded a stunning three-wicket success with two balls to spare on 344-7.

Justin Elliott’s 76 not out and opener James MacPherson’s 60 were the highlights.

Vale’s first XI also lost to Apperley, this time at home, by 143 runs after being bowled out for 122.

Chipping Campden and Moreton-in-Marsh occupy the Cotswold Hills League Premier Division relegation slots after losing to Bidford-on-Avon and Norton Lindsey respectively.