Clevedon CC find themselves embroiled in a battle to avoid the drop after suffering a seven-wicket defeat away to Bristol.

The visitors - who looked to record back-to-back victories after last week's win over Taunton - featured a most enterprising innings by Greg Willows (48) after eight fours from just 37 deliveries.

Mas Khan was firmly ensconced at the other end, as last year's champions Clevedon looked bound for glory, with the opening pair adding 61 from eight overs.

Just as the sun began to shine however, the spectre of relegation tapped the visitors on the shoulder as Bristol took complete control. Even a launch pad of 61 runs could not prevent Clevedon from collapsing, and wickets tumbling.

The tail began at number two, and there was no redeeming resistance worth recording here as a far-from-virulent attack stripped the Clevedon innings to the bone, with nine overs to spare as the visitors were bowled out for 155.

Too many times have Clevedon's bowlers been required to come to the rescue this season, but Bristol really had the bit by the teeth, and, with Fin Trenouth leading the way with 81, the hosts cruised home with 19 overs to spare at Bristol Cricket Club.

For Clevedon, there are few positives to be taken from the loss, but there are plenty of negatives to be addressed.

There was a seeming lack of spirit among the side once Willows was sent packing two runs short of 50.

Only one other batsman reached 20, and it was a sorry sackcloth-and-ashes procession that made it to and from the middle as Bristol turned the screw.

Make no mistake, Clevedon are now in serious trouble being one of three clubs at the foot of the table. They stand just 12 points clear of Bristol, while Taunton S A languish at the very bottom 23 points behind.

Downend arrive at the Dial Hill this Saturday, with the hosts aiming to utilise their full 50 overs for the first time this summer.

Latest standings (11 matches)

1 Potterne 184; 2 Bath 180; 3 Bridgwater 174; 4 Bedminster 162; 5 Downend 135; 6 Lansdown 132; 7 Cheltenham 122; 8 Clevedon 109; 9 Bristol 97; 10 Taunton S A 86.