Leaders narrowly avoid second defeat

3:59pm Tuesday 22nd July 2008

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DIVISION One leaders Stogumber were a whisker away from suffering only their second defeat of the season, but scraped a two-run win over Winsford in the West Somerset Cricket League.

James Weetch followed his century the previous weekend with an unbeaten 74 as Stogumber were bowled out for 125. However, that was to prove just enough as the hosts were dismissed just 123 despite the efforts of James Geen, who made 44. Rob Watts took 5-29 for Stogumber.

Dulverton have moved up to second place thanks to a 60-run victory away to Huish Champflower. They replace Brompton Ralph, who suffered a heavy 118-run victory away to Bridgetown.

Tom Ridler scored 42 as the the hosts were bowled out for 208 - Rob Hake picked up 3-32 for Brompton. Tom Gliddon (4-27) and Terry Matravers (5-45) did most of the damage to dismiss Brompton for 90.

Rob Gould's 129 was not enough to give Casuals victory away to Division Two leaders Holford. The visitors scored scored 217-6 thanks to Gould's century but Holford reached their target for the loss of six wickets with Richard Birtwhistle (77) and T. Yeabsley (59) in the runs.

Ed White (94) and Sam Power (97) narrowly missed out on centuries as they helped Lydeard St Lawrence pile up 270-6 at home to Wiveliscombe, who were all for 162 in reply, Power taking 3-4.

Jon Reeves had a fine day with bat and ball to help West Monkton recorded a 82-run win at home to Taunton Deane Crusaders.

He top scored with with 45 not out as Monkton were all out for 158 - Ross Buckley bagged 4-11 for Deane - and then snapped up 4-29 to help dismiss the hosts for 76.

Division Three leaders Taunton CS Radiac and Outcasts 2nds returned to winning ways with a six-wicket victory at home to Taunton A. The visitors batted first and were all out for 119 - Greg McKay top scored with 47 and Sean Mason picked up 4-19. The hosts reached their target for the loss of four batsmen, teenager Ben Graddon hitting 39.

Minehead 3rds remain hot on their heels after a three-wicket win away to Cutcombe in a low-scoring affair. Bradley Martin (3-22 from 12) and Chris Clark (3-11 from ten) were the main destroyers as Cutcombe were restricted to 92-9. Steve Howard made 43 as Minehead got to their target.

Chris Holman (51) and Ed Welstead (52 not out) top scored for Bishop's Hull, who reached 189-5 at home to Bagborough 2nds. The vistors then fell narrowly short at 179-9, Welstead taking 3-51.

B. Franks picked up 5-9 as Ashbrittle 2nds won by 17 runs away to Trull.

In Division Four S. Willey snapped up 6-23 to help second-placed Stoke St Gregory to a six-wicket victory away to Dulverton 2nds.

North Newton 2nds defeated their Crowcombe counterparts by five wickets to remain on top.

Stogumber 2nds and Bishop's Hull 2nds were involved in high-scoring clash. Hosts Stogumber batted first and reached 237-9, with Neil Vane making 48. Bishop's Hull got to their target for the loss of five batsmen with three overs left, thanks largely to half centuries from 14-year-old Jim Turton (66) and Dave Barrett (51).

Andy Price took 5-19 for Brompton Ralph 2nds who restricted West Monkton 2nds to 201-6. The hosts were them all out for 129, C. McKee picking up 4-45.

Leigh Milton (89 not out) and Maurice Burns (6-32) were the stars for Fitzhead 2nds in their 46-run victory away to Buckland St Mary.

In Division Five, Churchinford extended their lead with a 29-run victory away to their closest rivals, Trull Crusaders.