LEADERS Hemyock won a high-scoring thriller by just five runs at second-placed Cutcombe.

Jalal Ahmed (66) and Louis Allan (78) both made half centuries in a total of 237-9, that despite the Gregorys – James (3-43) and Ben (2-48) – sharing five wickets.

Cutcombe saw Mike Kidner (67), Elliott Binding (39), Ned Binding (38) and skipper Ben Gregory (35) all get going, but the visitors pegged them back with Jimmy Adams (1-26 off 9) leading the way.

Bottom side Stoodleigh could not close the gap on second bottom Carhampton after failing to chase 133 at Ashbrittle Seconds.

Ben Priscott (14) and Toby Jones (31) put on 52 before Ashbrittle lost their next nine wickets for just 34 runs as Edward Mock (2-35), Sam Bowker (5-20) Sulfikal Moideen (2-13) ran riot.

However, after skipper Michael Hill (28no) and Ellie Popplestone’s (14) last-wicket stand of 46 proved critical.Westcott (4-15 off 6.2) took three early on (41-5), before James Hernimann (27) and Mock (11) added 54.

Hill’s sole over saw a triple-wicket maiden before Westcott struck with the second ball of the next as Stoodleigh were dismissed for 95.

Carhampton are within 12 points of Bishops Hull Seconds following an 18-run success over Minehead Thirds.

Number three Ryan Cape top-scored with 45 in their 169 all out but lost their final five wickets for just 26 runs as change bowlers Ian Buchanan (2-32) and Reuben Rajan (4-19) shared six wickets.Minehead slipped to 71-6 with Cape (3-20) and Nick Winzer doing much of the damage.

Darren Richards and Jithin Rajan put on 49 but Paul Kear (4-35) took out Richards (33) and Rajan (46) as he ran through the lower order.

Bishops Hull conceded their clash at third-placed Cannington (239) who are 35 points adrift of Cutcombe with a game in-hand.