Cricket: Chippenham captain Steve Silk felt Taunton Deane all-rounder Grant Thompson was the difference between the teams as they slipped to their third straight defeat on Saturday.

The South African put in a stunning match-winning display by taking 6-25 with the ball before smashing 45 not out with the bat to help Taunton Deane to a five wicket win at Hardenhuish Park.

But Silk refused to be too critical of his side despite their poor run of form in Premier Two, and simply feels they came up against an inspired player on the day.

“We didn’t score enough runs on a good batting track, which is becoming a common theme for us,” he said.

“We bowled and fielded very well but in the end Thompson was the difference between the two teams.

“He bowled a superb spell first out and then hit 45 runs off about 20 balls.

“They needed about five an over but then he came in and took the game away from us.”

Chippenham lost the toss and were put into bat first by their opponents, as Silk’s boys were bowled out for 180 in 49.1 overs.

Overseas ace Ryan Higgins top-scored for Chippenham with 56, while Thompson claimed his 6-25 off 13.1 overs.

In reply, Taunton Deane hit 182-5 off 42.4 overs to win, with Sam Shaikh top scoring on 52.

l CHIPPENHAM won their midweek cup match on Tuesday against Malmesbury by 170 runs.