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Bath Rugby head coach Mike Ford not getting carried away after big Bristol win

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Mike Ford says Bath Rugby will not be getting ahead of themselves after they thrashed local rivals Bristol 69-5 in yesterday's pre-season friendly at The Rec. Bath laid down a marker for the coming Aviva Premiership campaign with a dominant attacking display, running in 11 tries to the visitors' one. Seven of those scores came in the second half as Bath ran riot against a side tipped to be one of the favourites for promotion from the Championship this term. Head coach Ford, however, says the clubs still has plenty of work to do before the competitive action gets under way in September. "We are pleased with where we are at the moment. We are not getting carried away with ourselves but I thought the second half was outstanding in terms of our game management," said Ford. "We pretty much didn't give Bristol anything in the second half, and even at 62-5 we were still kicking the ball to space, which we are very pleased with. "We said at half-time, and we've said this all pre-season as it's been a big focus for us, if we get our fundamentals right – your defence, your kicking game, your discipline, the breakdown – if you get that right, you are going to be tough to beat. "This year we are going to really focus on that, and with the people we've recruited we have extra bits which we didn't have last year to do really well. "You saw in the second half that when you get your fundamentals right, that's what happens. "Bristol will be disappointed but we just didn't give them anything. We just kept building the pressure and with that comes points. "We want the players to make decisions, they've got to practise that day in day out. "Some they'll get right and some they will get wrong but the more we take ourselves out of the equation, the better this team will play." The victory comes fresh off the back of Tuesday night's pre-season opener against Premiership rivals Newcastle Falcons in Beziers, France, which ended in a 21-21 draw. The short turnaround between matches prompted Bath to name a different side for each half at The Rec and Ford was pleased with how well his troops responded. It was not all good news for Bath, however, with summer signing David Sisi suffering a first-half ankle injury which saw him leave the ground on crutches, although Ford does not expect the England Under-20 back-row ace to be out of action for long. "We thought the Newcastle game was probably a week too earlier for us in terms of actually playing," said Ford. "We could have done with a full week for this game, that's why we picked two sides. "The pack in particular had played 40 minutes and now they've got another 40 minutes under their belts. "That's what you're after in pre-season, just to get game time and your timings for hitting rucks and tackles. I think we achieved that today. "With David it's not as bad as it looks, it could be a couple of weeks. We've been lucky with injuries."

Bath Rugby head coach Mike Ford not getting carried away after big Bristol win


Police appeal after Colerne burglary

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Police are appealing for witnesses following a walk-in burglary at a house in Colerne on Monday. The thief entered a property at the High Street via the Ogbourne entrance at the rear, as windows and a door had been left open while the resident cleaned upstairs. The incident happened at between 3pm and 4.15pm with rings and an iPod stolen and has left the resident feeling unsafe in the property. Anyone who noticed anything suspicious is asked to contact PC Julie Mason on 101 referring to log 256 of August 13 or email julie.mason@wiltshire.pnn.police.uk

Police appeal after Colerne burglary

Stunning designs wow at Bath make-up competition

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Budding make-up artists had the chance to have their designs judged by one of the biggest names in the film industry yesterday. Oscar winner Peter Swords King, who won an Academy Award for his work on Lord of the Rings, was one of the judges at the Bath Academy of Media Make-up (BAMM) Re-create competition. Mr Swords King, who lives near Bath, was joined by BAMM principal Melanie Crump and the Body Shop's brand and value director Sam Thomson. Competitors were asked to come up with inspirational designs around the work of the Teenage Cancer Trust, with the entry fee also donated to the charity. "I was amazed by the high standard and design," said Mr Swords King. "Teenage Cancer Trust does amazing work and I am delighted to support the charity by helping raise funds, and by enabling young people to reflect on how cancer can decimate lives through this competition. "Our winner transferred the 'mission to vision' in the most creative and original way, and was also in possession of a strong work ethic and attitude to enable them to get to the top and survive in this challenging profession. "It isn't just about the concept itself but also the application of the make-up and everyone was very enthusiastic. "I have been doing this for 30 years and I am still finding out about new things and it is important to be able to pass that on. "I have come into the business with Mel as creative director and lecturer here as well. "We are hoping to make this school and the courses bigger and bigger so people do not have to go to London." BAMM aims to train students to such a high standard that their name becomes synonymous with quality and excellence and will make sure students are not only dab hands at applying make-up but also know how to work in a tough industry as well. First prize of an Intense Media Make-up Course worth £9,600 went to Becky Marks from Bath, who works in Boots. "I thought about what I knew about cancer and thought about (young people with cancer) still having a bright future," she said. "I made flowers for the headpiece to represent that and also to be in place of headscarves and also used hair extensions. "The face make-up represents tears coming down but shaped into a heart so it is like love as well. "The prize is fantastic, I have done a course at Swindon College and want a career in the industry. "I was told to enter every competition going which I am trying to do so I can build up my portfolio. "It is amazing to win." She only met her model Nicole Slade on the morning of the competition after putting out an appeal on Facebook but, as she works as a catwalk model, she had no problem staying still and taking direction while her make-up was applied. The 15 finalists had three hours to transform their models and were judged on their designs, how they interpreted the theme as well as technique, style and overall attitude. Entrants were judged out of 70 and the standard was so high no one scored less than 60 points. Sharmilla Vythelingum scooped second place while Jade Muir came third with a pop art inspired design. Joanna Sobkowiak's carried out her eye-catching design on friend Aga Nowakowska. "The theme was raising money for the Teenage Cancer Trust and inspiring people so I came up with the idea of a phoenix rising from the ashes and having a second chance," she said. The stunning design used lots of red and gold make-up, with glitter used for a touch of sparkle. "It looks amazing but it is a little uncomfortable when the glitter dries," said Ms Nowakowska.

Stunning designs wow at Bath make-up competition

The Bath Carnival brings a taste of Rio to the city

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The rain didn't dampen the spirits of revellers taking part in the Bath Carnival. The event saw young and old walking, dancing and singing along the route starting at Great Pulteney Street, making its way into the city centre before ending at Royal Victoria Park. People lined the streets to watch, with local residents not needing to brave the rain and watching from their flats. The carnival came after a community event in the park which saw people making costumes, listening to music and having a good time. The procession was led in typical Brazilian style by three scantily clad dancers from the Rebelado Showgirls, whose outfits were topped off by towering headdresses. It also included dancers from the African Sambistas, Funky Monkey Studio, La Brigata Dance and monster sculptures made by members of Action on Hearing Loss. Not to be outdone a team of comic characters joined in the parade from Bath's American Dream Comic Shop. Bath Carnival organiser Robbie Verrecchia said: "Bath has proved itself as a magnet for global cultural talent with the International Music Festival, the Literature Festival and the Children's Literature Festival. "The Bath Carnival is intended to complement these iconic high-culture events with a vibrant celebration of local grass-roots creative energy." 26-year-old Sarah Russell took part in the carnival together with her mum Louise, dad Guy and her children Abdullah soon-to-be seven months and Samiullah who is nearly three. "I live in Midsomer Norton and there's nothing like this there," said Ms Russell. "It's a community project and I think it's brilliant." The family made their own costumes and also decorated Abdullah's buggy specially for the event. One Bath mum who didn't want to be named said the weather hadn't put her daughters off from taking part. She said: "We went along to Green Park to the workshops (held ahead of the event for people to make costumes) and I think it is just such a lovely and creative thing to do. "Unless the weather gets torrential we will walk back to the park. "Once the Samba band starts playing you can't really stand still." Jeni Reid, husband Tom and their nine-year-old daughter Erin also joined in the fun. "We went to Victoria Park to feed the ducks but that was cordoned off so we wandered along and came across the carnival and ended up staying for four hours," said Mrs Reid. "That is the great thing about Bath you can just join in with whatever's going on." "It was good and I made a headdress," said Erin of the Party in the Park event. Rebelado Showgirl Jacinta Desmond, who lives in Wells, said she was happy take part even if her costume left her a little cold. She said: "This is my first time doing it but it will be fun." The bar and food stalls remained open until 10pm, with the people who didn't want the fun to end heading on down to Komedia for the Official Bath Carnival Afterparty.To view a gallery of photos from the Bath Carnival click here

The Bath Carnival brings a taste of Rio to the city

Carnival activities in Royal Victoria Park ahead of city procession

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Fun and festivities took place in Royal Victoria Park for the city's first Bath Carnival. The Party in the Park event happened ahead of a carnival procession later in the evening and visitors were busy making costumes, playing games and listening to music. And, although the weather was less than tropical, organisers said they were bringing a distinctly Brazilian vibe to the community event. The event's marshal supervisor Julian Buchanunn said: "Even if we don't have Brazilian weather we will still bring Brazil to Bath with some fantastic local bands and some who aren't quite so local. "We've got a kids' area run by a company called Super Pirates with organised play, games and a bouncy castle. "I understand Bath used to have carnival years and years ago and although I don't live in Bath I come here a lot because I have friends here. "An impression of Bath is that it can be a little bit cold and stuck up; there are lots of festivals for people who come to Bath to visit but not much for people who live here. "This is a great festival for the people of Bath." Music was provided by a host of local talent including Battle of the Bands winners Sounds of Harlowe, plus urban rock band Carousels and Limousines and 'The Flamenco Thief. The Party in the Park event also showcased food from some of Bath's best eateries including fine Indian dining from The Mint Room and Italian street-style food from Yammo. Children also enjoyed cupcake decorating, an appearance from The Bath Magician, a bouncy castle and games and activities lead by the Super Pirates children's events team. Michael Cash from Bath visited the event along with his 21-month-old daughter Ella. "This will keep Ella very well entertained because she loves music and likes to dance," he said. "We had a really warm welcome from the stewards and it would be good to have more of this type of event in Bath." Later the festivities moved to the Holburne Museum ahead of a procession led by Jamma de Samba which made its way through the city's streets before heading back to the park.To view a gallery of photos from the Bath Carnival click here

Carnival activities in Royal Victoria Park ahead of city procession

Providing a roof for those who need it as empty properties in Bath converted

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Empty properties are being converted to help those struggling with life put a roof over their heads.

Bath charity Developing Health and Independence (DHI) is refurbishing several properties in the city after receiving £119,000 from the Department for Communities and Local Government.

The money has been used by the charity to increase its Empty Homes Scheme, which offers cash grants and interest free loans to finance the refurbishment of empty properties in Bath and north east Somerset, South Gloucestershire and Bristol.

Finished homes are then rented out through DHI's not-for-profit lettings agency, Home Turf Lettings, which specialises in rentals to the homeless or people threatened with homelessness.

DHI's social enterprise director, Mark Coates, said: "We've all seen those empty buildings that you walk past every day.

"At best they are an annoyance, and at worst they can make the surrounding environment less pleasant to live in.

"With today's economic climate when there's such a need to find decent, affordable housing, we think our Empty Homes Scheme offers a genuine win/win scenario for property owners and local residents alike."

The charity is now about to let the first two homes refurbished using the Government handout.

DHI client Sam, who was previously homeless but now lives in a property refurbished by DHI, praised the scheme.

He said: "The help, advice, support and action provided by DHI has been fantastic throughout.

"I received the keys to my own, new, beautiful home in Bath.

"I have the safety and the security I have dreamt of, and I believe a platform to rebuild my life, to become a valuable and respected citizen, father and son."

DHI is appealing for members of the local community to nominate empty buildings they would like to see refurbished.

Anyone who would like to nominate an empty property should call Mark Coates on 0117 3012560 or email hello@hometurflettings.co.uk.

Fifty train to become lifeguards in Bath

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People in Bath have been training to become lifeguards.

A scheme at Bath Sports and Leisure Centre and Culverhay Sports Centre has helped 50 people complete the qualification, with a further 24 to be trained by the end of the year.

The Bath centre is hosting an extra two courses this year to try to keep up with local demand.

General manager Barnaby Rich said: "This valuable training provides residents in our communities with marketable skills and helps them to find work within the leisure industry, including those who progress to full or casual employment at Aquaterra leisure centres or at other pools."

The syllabus for the Royal Lifesaving Society's National Pool Lifeguard Qualification includes pool supervision, rescue techniques, resuscitation, first aid, spinal injury management and health and safety in leisure centres.

Each course is 40 hours in length plus an assessment and once gained is valid for two years.

Applicants must be 16 or over, a competent swimmer with a high level of water confidence and have a good level of fitness.

For more information and costs visit www.aquaterra .org/lifeguarding.

Royal United Hospital consultant's call to ban skin allergy chemical

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A consultant dermatologist at the Royal United Hospital is calling for a chemical to be banned from everyday cosmetics and household cleaning products because it causes a severe allergic reaction in many people.

Dr Deirdre Buckley says she has seen a big increase in the number of patients having a reaction to methylisothia- zolinone.

The chemical, known as MI, is used in a wide range of products including shampoos, moisturisers, shower gels, sunscreens, baby wipes and detergents, and also in paint.

Dr Buckley said: "Reactions to this chemical have become very common.

"In the first half of this year 11 out of 80 RUH patients with skin problems who were tested for allergies, were allergic to MI.

"MI has been legally permitted in the EU for years, but the permitted limit of concentration of 100 parts per million is more than 25 times higher than the concentration allowed prior to 2005.

"The British Association of Dermatologists is calling for this limit to be lowered to prevent more people becoming sensitised to it."

Kassia Gawronski, from Bath, had an extreme reaction to MI.

She said: "I was referred to the RUH with a skin condition, which did eventually clear, but we didn't know what might have caused it.

"Patch testing was carried out on my back and we discovered I was allergic to MI.

"I had a really severe reaction to the chemical, which blistered my skin, it spread across my back and made it very sore and itchy. It was horrid."


Talk on Saltford Brass Mill

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People are invited to attend a talk about the Saltford Brass Mill and its links with the Commonwealth.

The Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS) Bath and District Branch has invited Tony Coverdale to give the talk at Hestia Rise, Tyning End, in Bath, at 6.30pm on Wednesday, September 4.

It will cost £7.50, including wine and snacks, to RCS, English Speaking Union (ESU) and Britain-Australia Society, and £8.50 to non-members.

Next year the RCS will be combining with both the ESU and the Britain-Australia Society to provide a programme of talks and functions.

The group's next event will be the Inaugural RCS Bath Commonwealth Lecture and Reception to be given by Lord Howell on Monday, November 25, at the BRLSI in Bath.

Anyone interested in attending the Saltford Brass Mill event should contact secretary Emma Harris at emmaharris3 @gmail.com.

Russell Lodge's unbeaten ton sets up victory for Marshfield

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Russell Lodge plundered an unbeaten 110 to set up Marshfield's 36-run win over bottom side Nationwide House in the Wadworth 6X West of England League Wiltshire Division. The number four batsman hit ten fours and three sixes in a 90-ball knock as the visitors made 252-6 after being asked to bat first. Opener Matt Watson was Marshfield's next highest scorer with 32. Lodge then took 3-54 as doomed Nationwide were bowled out for 216 in the 49th over of their reply. Matt Cox claimed 3-55 and Watson 2-23. Second-from-bottom Winsley are safe from the drop despite a 159-run hammering at home to Marlborough. The visitors made 245-8 before dismissing Winsley – relegated from the Glos/Wilts Division a year ago – for only 86.

Russell Lodge's unbeaten ton sets up victory for Marshfield

Lansdown involved in three-way final-day promotion battle

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Lansdown face a final-day shootout with Chew Magna and Winterbourne for the Wadworth 6X West of England League Bristol & North Somerset Division title after victories for all three sides last weekend. Despite their comprehensive eight-wicket demolition of hosts Shirehampton, Lansdown slipped a point behind Chew in an incredibly close championship race after the new front-runners picked up a greater bonus return en route to victory over Twyford House. Third-placed Winterbourne, meanwhile, are just three points behind Lansdown and can pounce for the sole promotion spot if either of the top two slip up on Saturday. Lansdown host third-from-bottom Stapleton at Combe Park, while Chew also have a home game against Bristol West Indian & Phoenix. Skipper Tom Hankins (3-18) and James Dunning (3-25) set up Lansdown's victory over Shirehampton, who only reached 131 all out in 49 overs through the efforts of their tail-enders. Hankins hit 39 in the visitors' reply before Ben Marjot (41no) and Daryn-Lee Dorman (39no) saw them home in the 19th over. Lansdown were unable to add a second piece of Twenty20 silverware to their cabinet when they lost to in Bristol Bangladeshis the Butcombe Cup final at Farmborough CC. The Somerset Intermediate Cup winners made 127-8 in their 20 overs but Bangladeshis reached their target with two overs to spare. Jackson Hamilton won the Papa Johns man of the match award after scoring 41 runs and taking -38 for Lansdown, who lifted the county crown in Taunton a week earlier.

Lansdown involved in three-way final-day promotion battle

Keynsham relegated from Premier 1 after defeat to Bristol

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Keynsham will make a swift return to the Wadworth 6X West of England League's second tier next summer after their relegation from Premier 1 was confirmed with a 51-run home reverse to local rivals Bristol on Saturday. After being promoted from Premier 2 in dramatic fashion on the final day of the 2012 campaign, Keynsham have struggled for runs in the top flight and again fell short at the weekend as they were dismissed for 107. The result means third-from-bottom Corsham are safe from the drop despite their own 32-run loss at Downend. Gloucestershire's Dan Housego (58) top-scored as Bristol, who lost the toss at the Frank Taylor Memorial Ground, struggled to 158. Sam Wheller (4-37) and Reg Keates (3-18) were the chief wicket-takers as Keynsham gave themselves a fighting chance of the victory they needed. But the hosts were soon in trouble at 17-3 and never recovered as Will Rudge (3-16 ) and Neil Pollard (3-18) impressed. Corsham were looking to hand Downend a seventh straight defeat but came up short despite nine of their batsmen reaching double figures when chasing a victory target of 256. Sam Collier (41) and Ashur Morrison (38) were the best of the bunch as Corsham were dismissed for 223. Ian Cockbain rounded off a match-winning display with a haul of 4-53 – including three caught and bowled victims. The Gloucestershire man had earlier smashed nine fours and six sixes in a 59-ball 88, with Joe King bagging 5-60 for Corsham.

Keynsham relegated from Premier 1 after defeat to Bristol

Actor Colin Salmon on ITV1's Lorraine show talking about Bath Special Olympics

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Special Olympics GB ambassador and actor, Colin Salmon, will be on ITV1's Lorraine programme this morning to talk about the organisation's national summer games in Bath. The James Bond actor will appear with one of the 1,700 competing athletes, Charlotte Cox, to talk about the event, which will begin tomorrow night with an opening ceremony featuring Susan Boyle at the Royal Crescent. The games run from Thursday until Saturday, with 12 sports featured. Today's show starts at 8.30am.

Actor Colin Salmon on ITV1's Lorraine show talking about Bath Special Olympics

Paranormal conference at University of Bath next week

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The University of Bath will host what is billed as Britain's biggest paranormal conference next week. Seriously Strange will run from Friday, September 6 to Saturday September 7, looking at issues from ghosts to telepathy. It features 30 speakers including Bafta-winning screenwriter Stephen Volk, former MP Lembit Opik and poltergeist investigator Guy Lyon Playfair. More than 200 delegates from all round the country will attend the event, which organisers say will include debates, research and live paranormal experiments. The event is organised by the Association for the Scientific Study of Anomalous Phenomena, a national education and research charity specialising in paranormal phenomena. Organiser Dave Wood said: "This is a huge weekend packed with the weird and the wonderful – everything from poltergeist to vampires, UFOs to telepathy, monsters to shamanism. Subjects are addressed in a serious way by top experts in their fields." Tickets cost £20 in advance or £25 on the door and can be bought from seriouslystrange.org.uk.

Paranormal conference at University of Bath next week

Mary Berry's thermal recipe for keeping warm during freezing filming of Great British Bake Off

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Her wardrobe on The Great British Bake Off has earned almost as much praise as her culinary skills, but now the lengths that Mary Berry has to go to just to keep warm on the show have been revealed. The show, which has returned to BBC2 with judges former Bath schoolgirl Mary, 78 and Paul Hollywood, 47, is pre-recorded in a specially constructed tent in Somerset from the spring. Mel Giedroyc, who presents the hit show with Sue Perkins, told the Radio Times: "When we first started filming, in April, it was freezing so our main concern was to keep Mary Berry warm. "She had four thermal layers on and two water bottles down the trouser.s"

Mary Berry's thermal recipe for keeping warm during freezing filming of Great British Bake Off


Post in Bath is being delivered on time by Royal Mail

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Postmen in the Bath area have been congratulated for delivering almost all First Class post on time. According to the Royal Mail 94.1 per cent of First Class post in the BA postcode area was delivered the day after posting between April and June this year. The figures are part of the Royal Mail's latest Quality of Service report, which also revealed the organisation exceeded its targets for First Class and Second Class mail nationally in the first quarter of the 2013/14 financial year. Nationally the Royal Mail delivered 93.4 per cent of First Class mail the next working day, against a target of 93 per cent, and also beat its Second Class mail target, delivering 99 per cent within three working days, against a target of 98.5 per cent. Delivery director for Royal Mail, Alan Gairns, said: "It is excellent news that we have exceeded our targets for First Class and Second Class letters and parcels. We are committed to maintaining our high standards of service for all of our customers – consumers and businesses in rural areas as well as towns and cities across the BA postcode area. Our postmen and women are delivering to one of the highest and most challenging next-day performance targets in Europe while we are undertaking one of the UK's biggest transformation projects." This latest report comes as staff at 372 Crown post office, which are the largest branches in towns and cities, continue strike action in a dispute about closures, jobs and pay. Workers across the UK voted to strike on Saturday, and are due to walk out again today. For more information about the Quality of Service report go to www.royalmailgroup.com/how-were-performing/latest-news

Post in Bath is being delivered on time by Royal Mail

Ed Moore scores emotional Castle Combe win as Steven Jensen crashes out

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Steven Jensen's hopes of a maiden Startline Formula Ford 1600 Championship are hanging by a thread after he crashed out of the August Bank Holiday race day meeting at Castle Combe Circuit. The Saltford driver has seen his championship lead eroded away by Chippenham's Adam Higgins in recent weeks and the latter's second-place finish on Monday leaves him needing just a point to secure the crown. Former Bradford on Avon resident Ed Moore claimed an emotional win – his first since 2008 and his 35th at the Wiltshire circuit – and dedicated it to his late former neighbour Terry Sanger. The Combe legend passed away recently and is fondly remembered as a talented driver, instructor and engineer. Moore was also awarded the Abraham Jewellers Driver of the Day prize, while Higgins battled well to finish as runner-up from fifth on the grid. Langford's Roger Orgee came fourth and Yatton Keynell's Luke Cooper fifth, with the latter taking the class B honours. Jensen started alongside pole-sitter Ashley Crossey on the front row but the pair collided on lap 14. A seven-car train charged into Tower corner and, as Moore attempted a very strong move on Higgins at the front, the reduction in speed caused havoc for the chasing cars. Jensen broke hard and a surprised Crossey rode up the back of his team-mate's car, taking them both out of the race and into the barriers. Burton's Rob Ballard scored a dominant victory in the Castle Combe Saloon Car Championship in association with National Windscreens. Ballard brought his Seat Leon home 22.5secs in front of the Peugeot 106 of runner-up Will Di Claudio, from Corsham. The latter was able to enjoy his first race since being crowned the 2013 champion, however, and the first driver to take three outright titles. There was a healthy grid for the Castle Combe Sports & GT Championship, supported by SiliconHoses.com. Simon Tilling won the race and class A by more than 32secs from Wrington's Josh Smith, who also won class B. Third-placed Sam Smeeth (Ferrari 458 Challenge) won class D, and Richard Gray (Radical SR4) won class C.

Ed Moore scores emotional Castle Combe win as Steven Jensen crashes out

ROBIN LETT: Champagne moment as championship is secured at Taunton St Andrews

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Bath CC 1st XI captain Robin Lett basks in the glory of his side's title triumph... It turned out to be the dream ending to what has been a very long hard season. There were all kinds of scenarios that would have seen us crowned champions on Saturday and we knew we had to be at least 25 points clear at the end of it all to have it wrapped up. The most simple solution, however, was to win the game. History has always taught us that batting second at Taunton St Andrews has invariably been the easiest way to go and so that is exactly what we did. I had been obsessing about how many points we might need in what situation all week and I knew that, should we bowl Saints out for less than 120, we would secure enough points to make the second half of the match irrelevant. I asked the players for one last big effort and they certainly delivered, with Adam Kelly and Simon Marchant bowling beautifully in particular. When Tom Stayt picked up the tenth wicket with only 114 on the board, the celebrations began. The second half flew by as we enjoyed ourselves with the pressure off and we were able to open the champagne. I have been very lucky to be involved in six league wins now and each one has been a unique and thrilling occasion and the celebrations in the dressing room after the game will live with me for a long time. There are so many people that need to be thanked who have performed so well this year. Luke Padgett has matured into an outstanding wicketkeeper/batsman and his contributions have been invaluable, while Adam's return in the middle of the season had such an impact – he is so dependable and has never let me down at any stage. Tim Rouse has shown how much ability he has for such a young man. I fear we may end up losing him to Somerset's books before too long and if that is the case then it will be thoroughly well deserved. Tom Stayt, my vice-captain, has always been a great sounding board this year and provided so much support on and off the field. Though he may feel he hasn't bowled as well this year, he still tops the wicket-takers list and that says it all about the class of the player. Rob Maggs, our coach, works tirelessly to make my life easier and I'm so grateful to him for all his hard work. We still have one more game to play this weekend and it would be great to end on a high note against Ashcott, who have had a great debut season and secured their own survival, but there will certainly be a party atmosphere at North Parade at the weekend.

ROBIN LETT: Champagne moment as championship is secured at Taunton St Andrews

Somerset come through YB40 thriller against Gloucestershire

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Somerset beat Gloucestershire by 12 runs at Bristol to win Group C of the YB40 and set up an away semi-final at Nottinghamshire next month. Jos Buttler hit 68 not out in Somerset's 258-9, with Gloucestershire spinner Tom Smith taking a hat-trick, before Alfonso Thomas's 3-41 underpinned a superb bowling display from the visitors as they limited their hosts to 246-7. All of Gloucestershire's top five batsmen made scores between 30 and 41 – but none of them could push on and punish a Somerset side who completed a clean sweep of limited-overs victories over their neighbours and rivals this season. The final group match for both teams was billed as a YB40 quarter-final, with both chasing places in the last four. But the way results went elsewhere, Gloucestershire would not have qualified even if they had won, due to the superior run-rates of Glamorgan in their group and Northamptonshire in Group A. A host of former Gloucestershire greats, plus ECB chairman Giles Clarke, were at Nevil Road for the opening of the club's new pavilion – and they were treated to an excellent match. Somerset had looked set for a much greater score than 258 when Marcus Trescothick and Craig Kieswetter put on 103 for the first wicket inside 13 overs. Skipper Trescothick, who hit seven fours and a six, brought up his fifty from 45 balls as he hit Craig Miles for four over cover. But, to the next ball, he tried to play a similar shot and was caught by Alex Gidman at extra cover for exactly 50. Nick Compton was out first ball when he played a loose shot to a Miles full toss and was held by Ian Cockbain at backward point. James Hildreth survived the hat-trick ball. Kieswetter, who had looked in ominous form as he hit four fours and two sixes – both of which were lost in the construction site at the Ashley Down Road end of the ground – fell for 42. He had offered Benny Howell a difficult caught-and-bowled chance on 34, and was too early on a short ball from David Payne, getting the faintest of edges and being caught behind by Gareth Roderick. Buttler and Hildreth helped Somerset add 71 for the fourth wicket, with Hildreth departing for 34 with the total on 197 in the 29th over. He got a leading edge to a slower ball from Payne which ballooned to Cockbain at backward point. But, from 197-3, Somerset quickly slipped to 204-7. Smith had Craig Meschede caught behind as he advanced down the pitch for 1, while Lewis Gregory – in for the injured Pete Trego (bruised hand) – was out first ball, held at short extra cover by Cockbain. Smith had to wait until the next over for his hat-trick – and he duly completed the rare feat when he bowled Piyush Chawla for 3 with one that turned. Buttler brought up his fifty with a single off Howell, before Thomas fell for 12 when he got a leading edge and holed out to Miles off Payne. Jamie Overton hit back-to-back fours at the end of the 38th over to boost Somerset's chances of being competitive, and then hit another in the final over, before Buttler opted to sacrifice the tail-ender to grab the strike for the final three balls. Overton was run out for 14 as Buttler, who had not scored a boundary for more than 11 overs, resumed the strike – scooping James Fuller for six over fine leg and finishing on 68 not out from 71 balls. Gloucestershire made a solid start, reaching 63 before Hamish Marshall became the first home batsman to fall, coming down the pitch to Chawla and picking out Gregory at mid-off for 30. Home captain Michael Klinger survived a scare on 37, with Chawla unable to get to a high ball in the deep off Meschede, but the Australian fell in the next over – in controversial circumstances. Off Steve Kirby's bowling, Klinger was caught by a juggling Chawla at fine leg, the diving fielder appearing to drop the ball onto his chest, before securing the ball as he rolled over. Klinger, who had scored 40, was given out but looked furious as he departed. Chris Dent soon followed for 31, coming down the pitch to Thomas and hitting a slower ball to Hildreth at long-on, before Alex Gidman and Cockbain steadied the ship for Gloucestershire. They added 72 in 11.3 overs, before Cockbain departed for 39 when he tried to hit a slower-ball bouncer from Thomas over short third man but instead ballooned it up to Buttler. That saw Gloucestershire go into the final 10 overs on 182-4, needing another 73 for victory. Somerset retained their composure with the ball, Gidman bowled by an Overton yorker for 41 as the required rate continued to climb. Gidman's dismissal appeared to knock the remaining wind out of the hosts' sails – and they lost Howell for 18 when he was caught behind off Overton. Thomas showed excellent control in the closing stages as Gloucestershire fell 12 runs short in a thrilling game.

Somerset come through YB40 thriller against Gloucestershire

Robin Lett to stand down as Bath Cricket Club captain after Wadworth 6X West of England Premier 1 title triumph

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Robin Lett is to step down as Bath Cricket Club captain after leading the Swords to their fourth Wadworth 6X West of England Premier 1 title in six seasons. The former Somerset batsman has spent two years at the North Parade helm and his side made up for the disappointment of finishing a close second to Bridgwater 12 months ago by wrapping up the championship with a game to spare last weekend. Lett led the way as he blitzed 75 runs off just 28 deliveries to help Bath pass hosts Taunton St Andrews' total of 114 all out inside 11 overs. The three-wicket success at the Wyvern Club was Bath's 14th in 16 completed matches this summer and ensured they cannot be caught by second-placed Frocester. Lett will lift the championship trophy – one his club have now claimed 12 times – after Saturday's home match against Ashcott & Shapwick (noon) but he believes the time is right to hand over the captaincy. "Those closest to me will know how much hard work and effort it takes to lead Bath Cricket Club and from my perspective there can be no better way to pass the baton over than with the title regained and in the trophy cabinet," said Lett, whose side also reached the ECB National Club Championship quarter-finals this season. "Having given it everything over the past two years, it's time for me to step aside and I'll look forward to being one of the troops again next year under new stewardship."

Robin Lett to stand down as Bath Cricket Club captain after Wadworth 6X West of England Premier 1 title triumph

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