HEMYOCK stay top of the third division in the West Somerset Cricket League despite suffering a heavy defeat against title rivals Cannington.

The Devon side lost by nine wickets after being put into bat and being bowled out for 63 in 17.5 overs. On a miserable day for Hemyock’s batters, only Pavisekan Nadesvaran (12) and Malcolm Steer (10) managed double figures against the bowling of E Coombes (5-25) and S King (5-25). Cannington took only 12 overs to knock off the runs with V Guduru scoring 40 not out and S Abraham 11 not out.

Hemyock still have a 54-point lead over second-placed Cannington who have two crucial games in hand.

Cutcombe, in third spot, maintained their bid for honours in the division with a five-wicket victory over Minehead 3rd XI, who batted first and were all out for 225 runs.

Stoodleigh stay bottom of the table despite hitting over 300 runs in beating Bishop Hull by 107 runs. Stoodleigh piled up 313-8 with openers Andrew Torrence (74) and Sam Bowker (73) putting on 157 for the first wicket. James Herniman knocked 69 and Andrew Vigus 26 while Kasun Chathuranga took 3-53, Andy Gloyn 2-50 and Paul Lang 2-40.

The Taunton side scored 206-8 in reply in their 40 overs with opener Adrian Lock top scoring with 68 while Mark Chanter made 31 and Gloyn 28. Sulfikal Moideen snapped up 3-23, Edward Mock 3-42 and Herniman 2-50.

Carhampton were awarded 35 points after Ashbrittle’s second string conceded their game.

Meanwhile, Hemyock will be looking to get back to winning ways when they play at home to Minehead on Saturday, August 23. However the big game in this division is at Cutcombe where the home side entertain Cannington.

Fixtures: Carhampton v Bishops Hull, Cutcombe v Cannington, Hemyock v Minehead, Stoodleigh v Ashbrittle.