CUTCOMBE returned to winning ways in Division Two of the West Somerset Cricket League when they beat fellow strugglers Cannington by 26 runs.

Cutcombe won the the toss and after choosing to bat first they lost James Davis run out without a run on the board and then had Ned Barry caught and bowled by Robert Marcus Cooms with the total on 18.

The hosts had slipped to 43 for 4 when the Pursey boys - Ben the captain and younger brother Harry - came together and added 30 runs together before the latter was bowled by Hugh Ogle for 24.

Robin Howe went shortly after for four and with the scoreboard reading 80 for 6 Abhijith Anijappan walked out to the wicket to join his captain. Between them the pair shared what turned out to be a match inning partnership as they remained together for the rest of the innings.

By the time Cannington had bowled their 40 overs the Cutcombe pair had taken the total onto 243 for 6, the unbroken seventh wicket stand was worth 163. Ben Pursey ended unbeaten on 60 which came off 78 balls with 9 fours, while Anijappan ended not out 95 which he scored from 87 deliveries with 15 fours and 3 sixes.

When Cannington replied openers Hugh Ogle with 52 off 53 with 8 fours and Vinay Guduru (21) put on 80 for the first wicket before both fell to James Davis.

Later in the innings Chris Cullum made an unbeaten 52 off 48 balls with 10 fours but Cannington fell short and ended on 217 for 9. David took 4 for 34 and Mark Matravers 3 for 34.

This coming Saturday Cutcombe travel away to play second in the table Stoke St Mary while Cannington are without a game this weekend but host Stoke St Mary on August 22.