TOP of the table Cutcombe won by 48 runs in their game against Minehead 3rd XI in the third division of the West Somerset Cricket League.

Batting first after losing the toss, Cutcombe scored 171-6 in a game reduced to 30 overs a side with opener Mike Kidner unbeaten on 76. Robin Howe scored 19, while Jithin Rajan took 2-33 and Ben Cobb 2-23.

Brian Penny top scored with 38 for Minehead while Finley Priddle was 16 not out. Cutcombe’s main wicket-takers were James Gregory (2-21), Harry Pursey (2-24) and James Davis (2-20).

Cutcombe have a 36-point lead over Bishops Hull who remain second despite losing to Carhampton by 172 runs. Carhampton were all out for 287 with Paul Keal (62), Sam Price (62) and Matthew Long (54 not out) being their main scorers. Alfie Gloyn took 4-38 and Paul Melville 3-41.

The Taunton side were bowled out for 115 with Mark Hallas top scoring with 25 while Nick Winzer took 4-41 and Chris Clements 4-7.

Stoodleigh are still without a win this season after they went down by five wickets against Hemyock whose J Ahmen top scored with 41 as the Devon side scored 166-5 in answer to their rivals 162 all out. Y Pirapthan took 5-35 and Ahmen 2-11. It means that Stoodleigh are now 15 points adrift at the bottom of the table while Ashbrittle are one place above them.

Ashbrittle could not raise a side and conceded their game against Cannington who collected 35 points and now sit in fourth place in the table. They trail the leaders Cutcombe by 67 points.

Meanwhile, Hemyock have a home game against Cutcombe in the third division this coming weekend (May 31).

Minehead 3rd XI entertain Carhampton while Stoodleigh have a home game against fellow strugglers Ashbrittle.