RECORDS tumbled in Division Three of the West Somerset Cricket League when second placed Cutcombe travelled down the Exe Valley to play at Stoodleigh.

On a good wicket after winning the toss at Stoodeigh’s attractive ground. Cutcombe captain Elliott Binding had no hesitation in choosing to bat first. His decision turned out to be right one as openers Mike Kidner and Mark Matravers amassed 323 runs without loss from their 40 overs. By the end of the innings Kidner had made an unbeaten 124, his highest for Cutcombe, which he scored from 122 balls and included 19 fours and two 6s. Matravers ended not out 179, a career best, which came from 120 deliveries and contained 28 fours and five 6s.

This was a record score for an opening partnership in WSCL Division Three and also a new record wicket partnership for Cutcombe CC.

Despite the large score that was being piled up the Stoodleigh bowlers and fielders all stuck to their task well. When the home side replied they were given a good start by their openers Andrew Torrance and Jack Waterman who put on 78 together before the latter was stumped by Ned Binding off Matravers for 35. Torrance then added 31 with James Herniman but after seeing the total onto 109 he was caught by Kidner off Jonathan Webber for 40

.Matravers then claimed three wickets in quick succession including that of Herniman for 29 which made the Stoodleigh score 117 for five. Home skipper Alex Russell provided some resistance lower in the order before young Henry Pursey had him caught by Ned Binding for 13, before Stoodeigh were all out for 147 in 35 overs. Matravers rounded off a good day with five for 45 from his eight overs while Harry Pursey took three for 30.