WATCHET 1st XI played Staplegrove at home on Saturday and although gaining maximum batting points were still 48 runs adrift of the visitor's total.

Watchet won the toss and put their visitors into bat, the strong batting line up of Staplegrove enjoying the near perfect batting conditions.

Dave Penny and Rolly Craddock both got into the seventies as their second wicket stand reached 128.

Andy Pyne and Matt Lovell were the pick of the Watchet bowlers but the final total of 232-5 could have been less if early chances had been taken.

When Watchet replied Martin Strong attacked the Staplegrove bowlers and hit nine boundaries in a quick 52 from just 11 overs, leaving Watchet in a good position.

But three quick wickets from Saxby put Staplegrove back on top as Watchet slumped to 85-4.

Matt Lovell joined Andrew Woodward in a fifth wicket stand of 51 before Lovell was bowled for 21, and Woodward followed him the following over for a patient 41.

With only six overs remaining Staplegrove crowded the batsmen hoping for a mistake but Norman Yaw hit out looking for maximum batting points which were achieved in the 43rd over.

The innings ended on 186-6 with Yaw and Ben Saddington undefeated and Watchet gaining valuable points.

Staplegrove I: 232-5 (R Craddock 77, D Penny 74, P Saxby 22, A Pyne 2-29).

Watchet I: 186-6 (M Strong 52, A Woodward 41, N Yaw 35 no, M Lovell 21, P Saxby 3-57, B Bishop 2-28).

Points: Watchet 10 Staplegrove 18.