ASHBRITTLE virtually ended Kilve’s slim hopes of winning the first division in the West Somerset Cricket League when they beat their rivals by three wickets.

Last season’s winners dodged the showers to take 33 points from the match and to move above Kilve into second place - albeit by one point.

Watchet remain unbeaten at the top of the table and, with two matches to play, will be crowned champions shortly.

Kilve, put into bat by Ashbrittle, made a decent enough start with openers Cris Taylor (24) and Jim Taylor (25) putting on 65 for the first wicket. But it all went horribly wrong after this for Kilve who lost six wickets in scoring only ten runs, eventually being bowled out for 114 in 25.3 overs.

Luke Williams was the pick of the bowlers, taking a splendid 6-19 in nine overs, while Callum White snapped up 2-25 and Steven Grant 2-46.

Ashbrittle did not have things their own way when batting but a target of 115 to win was never enough as Sam Shaikh steadied the ship with a knock of 38 while Ollie Edwards was 22 not out. Jim Taylor took 4-32 and there was a wicket apiece for Josh Taylor, James Payne and Sam James.

Bagborough were batting along nicely at 163-6 against Watchet when the game had to be abandoned because of rain. Blake Jones (57 not out), Henry Stirzaker (52) and Craig Swinburne (43 not out) all made runs after Bagborough were put into bat. Ben Robinson, Callum Knight and Martin Strong picked up the wickets to fall.

Over Stowey had made 26-1 off 29 balls when their game against Bridgetown was called off while Winsford and East Huntspill never made it out of the pavilion, both collecting 12 points.

Meanwhile, Roadwater made 36-2 against Sampford Arundel in the only match which started in Division Two.