ROADWATER 2nd XI missed out on a chance of going top of the fourth division in the West Somerset Cricket League when they lost by 105 runs against Over Stowey.

Batting first after winning the toss, Stowey scored 183 all out in their 40 overs with Dean Marchent top scoring with 82, with 11 fours and three sixes. He faced only 39 balls. Opener Mark Sortwell also made 36 and Steve Easton 20. Luke Gould and Simon Aspey both took 3-28 while Andrew Whitley finished with figures of 2-34.

Roadwater made a steady start with openers Ashley Burr (12) and Steve Cornish (10) putting on 25 for the first wicket. But it was downhill all the way after this with Roadwater crashing to 78 all out in 23.5 overs. Whitley (17) was the only other batter to reach double figures as Stowey collected 34 points to move up to fourth in the table.

Brompton Ralph are finding it difficult to field a 2nd XI this season - as are some other clubs - and they conceded their game at home to Spaxton. It means Brompton are very much rooted to the bottom of the table.

Fitzhead stay top of the table despite not having a match. They have a 13 point lead over second-placed Roadwater and are due to play away to Brompton Ralph on Saturday, July 5, while Roadwater are away to Buckland St Mary & Bishopswood, who are in third place. Buckland are only 12 points adrift of Roadwater and so would go above their rivals if they win.

There are two other matches in this division. Stoke St Mary 2nd XI are home to Over Stowey, who are in fourth spot, while Wiveliscombe’s second string entertain Spaxton. Wivvy trail Spaxton by 36 points but have a match in hand over their rivals.