TWO matches avoided the rain in Division Two, with Cosmos benefitting from both to move up to second in the table.

Against Southill Snooker Club, an impressive bowling performance from Cosmos, particularly Matt Brown (3-5) who was virtually unplayable during his four overs, restricted Southill to 46-8.

A Fowler topped the scoring with 14.

This total never looked enough with Brian Keane (24) and Stuart Montgomery (14) puttting Cosmos on the verge of victory before Keane retired with an arm injury.

Southill struck back, claiming three wickets to give them hope, but Cosmos recovered to ease to a six-wicket win with six overs remaining.

Cosmos secured their second win in as many weeks, in a game that also doubled up as their Echo Cup quarter-final tie, with a 65-run victory over Wessex Gas-works.

Batting first, Cosmos lost wickets steadily as all Gasworks’ bowlers were successful.

But some lusty blows from Richard Burdett (35) helped set 116 from 18 overs.

Cosmos’ bowling was exceptionally tight, restricting the Gasmen at all times as only two batsmen, Mark Cottingham (10) and M Gibson (10) made it into double figures.

Mike Sallows (3-10) was disappointed to miss out on his third hat-trick attempt of the year, with the treble ball being edged to Tompkins in the slips who narrowly failed to hang on to the catch.

Wessex crumbled to 51 all out and saw Cosmos through to their first semi-final spot in their 25-year history.

At Budmouth, PRT Chesil Beach Motors set up a quarter-final clash with Saggies following their 10-wicket win over Southill Snooker Club.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Southill lost wickets quickly as PRT’s young bowling attack tore through the top order.

Fowler (12) provided some resistance before his side finished on 49-9 from 16 overs.

In reply, Gary Randell (27no) and Gareth Price (21no) wasted little time in knocking off the runs as Triangle passed their target in only the eighth over.

RESULTS Division Two: Southill Snooker Club 46-8 (A Fowler 14, M Brown 3-5, M Sallows 2-18) lost to Cosmos (B Keane 24, Slade 1-2) by 6 wickets. Cosmos 116-6 (R Burdett 35, D Millen 2-22) beat Wessex Gasworks 51 all out (M Cottingham 10, M Gibson 10, S Cruickshank 3-9, M Sallows 3-10, R Hibberd 2-15) by 65 runs.

Echo Cup First Round: Southill Snooker Club 49-9 (A Fowler 12, C Leake 2-4, C Brown 2-7, M Randell 2-16) lost to PRT Chesil Beach Motors 50-0 (G Randell 27no, G Price 21no) by 10 wickets.

Quarter-final: Cosmos beat Wessex Gasworks by 65 runs.

FIXTURES Tonight – Division Two: Cosmos v George Inn (at Budmouth).

Tomorrow – Wessex Gas v Portland Arms (at Budmouth).