THERE was joy for Ruardean Hill in the final of the Forest of Dean Hundred Plate competition on a day of thrilling cricket at Monmouth.

Hill beat Goodrich to lift the Plate in the first of two competitions on Sunday but there was disappointment for Lydney.

They lost to hosts Monmouth who reached the final last year but were defeated by Cinderford.

Ruardean cruised to a 10-wicket victory in the Plate which kicked off action-packed 100-ball finals day.

Lydney eventually came up short by 64 runs in the Championship final.

Several Lydney players had been involved in the previous day’s nail-biting three-run win at Cirencester – the third time they have won by three runs or fewer in the Gloucestershire League this season.

Sophie Ball bowling for Lydney. Picture: Alan Castle.
Sophie Ball bowling for Lydney. Picture: Alan Castle. (Alan Castle)
Goodrich go close. Picture: Alan Castle.
Goodrich go close. Picture: Alan Castle. (Alan Castle)
Lydney bowler Callum Miller. Picture: Alan Castle.
Lydney bowler Callum Miller. Picture: Alan Castle. (Alan Castle)
A wicket for Ruardean. Picture: Alan Castle.
A wicket for Ruardean. Picture: Alan Castle. (Alan Castle)
Ben Ferguson was Lydney's highest scorer. Picture: Alan Castle.
Ben Ferguson was Lydney's highest scorer. Picture: Alan Castle. (Alan Castle)