FOR the third successive week Watchet successfully chased a total of 191 plus to keep them top of Division Three.

Ashcott's openers were both out early against tight bowling from Liam Woolgrove and Andy Milton. This brought Dave Rudge and captain Chris March together who put on 125 runs for the third wicket, Rudge being run out by a direct long throw from Rob Yaw for an excellent 84.

Chris March soon followed stumped by Woodward for 51.

Ashcott looked for a 200 plus total but were held back by some tidy late bowling from Norman Yaw and Martin Strong who finished with 3-21.

Watchet lost wickets at regular intervals again but scored their runs quickly which enabled the middle order to pace themselves.

Andrew Woodward (24) and Clive Strong (35) were the pick of the early batsmen as Darren Hefferman took four wickets in five overs.

For the second week running David Milton showed his experience as he guided Watchet to another important victory. Milton was caught for 43 as he built a sixth wicket partnership of 84 runs with Sandy Rawle who finished undefeated on 35 and Andrew Milton not out on 16.

Ashcott and Shapwick: 194-6 (W Rudge 84, C March 51, D Rudge 29 no, M Strong 3-21).

Watchet: 196-6 (D Milton 43, C Strong 35, S Rawle 35 no, D Hefferman 4-63).

Points: Watchet 22 Ashcott and Shapwick 8.