It’s perhaps fitting that one-time Gloucestershire skipper Mark Alleyne is playing so well for Bedminster in the West of England Premier League Premier One while the Cheltenham Cricket Festival is in full flow.

The all-rounder dubbed the ‘King of Cheltenham’ during his playing days on the back of his remarkable run of form at the Cheltenham College ground for the best part of 20 years beginning in the mid-1980s, is showing that there is no substitute for class.

The 49-year-old scored an unbeaten half-century in Bedminster’s win at Frocester at the start of the month and followed up by taking 3-35 this week in a 16-run win over fellow newcomers Lechlade.

It was Bedminster’s third successive win and lifts them off the bottom of the table.

Sai Kamuni produced a third straight half-century with Richard Sillars (46) and Tom Pugsley’s late unbeaten 52 from 36 balls taking the Bristol club to a challenging total of 275-8.

And it then needed a fine spell from captain James Carter (4-38) as well as Alleyne to ensure a priceless victory.

Gloucestershire ‘Academy Plus’ wicketkeeper-batsman James Bracey, meanwhile, was unbeaten on 128 from 149 balls (13 fours and a six) as Bristol chased down a target of 224 for the loss of six wickets at home to Potterne while Clevedon were nine-run victors at Frocester.

Tristan De Beer hit 50 as Rockhampton emerged three-wicket home winners against Cheltenham who started the day top of Premier Two Glos/Wilts.

Spinner Guy Brothwood earlier finished with 3-17 as Cheltenham were dismissed for 130 after winning the toss.

There were also defeats for Gloucester City Winget and Hatherley and Reddings, at Burbage and Easton Royal and Westbury and District respectively.

Dumbleton went top of the Gloucestershire Division after grabbing a one-wicket home success against Cirencester with just two balls to spare.

Wade Ridsdale played a huge role in the win, taking 3-49 from 10 and following up with an unbeaten 53 as he shared a match-winning stand of 26 with last man Oli Horne (14) to foil Cirencester.

If some of Cirencester’s supporters are looking for a positive – and it may be difficult after this result – they could cast their minds back to the opening day of the season when they were shot out for 58 by Dumbleton after winning the toss and lost by 10 wickets.

Frocester 2nds, who started the day top, lost by four wickets at Bourton Vale for whom openers Charlie Garratt (91) and Ollie Forbes (82) shone.

Tewkesbury, meanwhile, were in all kinds of trouble at 119-7 before recovering to chase down a target of 177 at home to Cheltenham Civil Service.

Stars of the two-wicket triumph were Adam Brookes (43 not) and Callum Mellor whose valuable 18 followed figures of 3-36 from seven.

Stroud edged Apperley by two wickets while Corse and Staunton were five-wicket winners at Chipping Sodbury.