HEMYOCK stretched their lead at the top of Division Three in the West Somerset Cricket League after they beat bottom side Stoodleigh by 78 runs.

The Devon side, put into bat, scored 234-6 in their 40 overs with Pavisekan Nadesvaran being their star batter with 117 not out. Adam Welch scored 44 and John Hurley 28 while Edward Mock took 2-19 in nine overs.

Nadesvaran was man of the match, taking 5-42 as Stoodleigh were bowled out for 156 in 36.2 overs. Jimmy Adams also took 2-33 and Welch 2-41.

Hemyock’s lead at the top is now 56 points after second-placed Cutcombe lost by 59 runs away to Minehead 3rd XI.

Adithyan Rajan was in splendid form with the bat for Minehead, scoring 131 not out, with 17 fours and six sixes, as the seasiders hit 283-7 in a 30-overs a side game. Henry Murrell was out LBW for 69 while Renjeesh Krishman scored 29. Harry Pursey took 4-48.

Cutcombe’s response was to score 224-7 in their allotted overs with Elliott Binding knocking 52, Ben Pursey 38 and Mark Matravers 36. Krishman took 3-33 and Rajan 2-49.

Unfortnately, two other matches in the division were conceded by the opposition. Cannington were awarded the points against Ashbrittle’s second string while Bishops Hull received 35 points against Carhampton who could not field a side.

Meanwhile, Hemyock play away to Cutcombe in a top of the table clash in Division Three on Saturday, July 19. Although Cutcombe trail the leaders by more than 50 points they have a crucial game in hand. Third-placed Cannington entertain Bishops Hull while Stoodleigh will be looking to improve on their position in the table when they play at Ashbrittle. Minehead 3rds XI play away to Carhampton.