MINEHEAD II recorded a comfortable 52-run win over North Newton on Saturday to confirm their promotion into Division Two of the Somerset League and keep alive their hopes of pipping Wells to the division title.

Batting first, stand-in skipper Braden Taylor and fellow opener Angus Marsh laid a solid platform for their side as they recorded scores of 33 and 40 respectively.

Their departure was followed by a mini-collapse however, as both Craig Sully and Jason Abbott fell for single figures to leave the hosts teetering on 80-4.

Andrew Dyer (20) and Darren Richards (23) boosted the total in quick time but both became victims of the impressive A Girardin, who claimed figures of 5-43 ,then James Griffiths added the final touches to the innings with a sprightly 36 to give his side a competitive 214-9 from their 45 overs.

In reply, Nick Wilson (1-15) and Braden Taylor (1-21) took an early wicket apiece before visiting captain J Stone and Girardin steadied the ship with the former bringing up a rapid half century.

The introduction of Marsh halted their progress, however, as he removed both batsmen in quick succession and proceeded to cause havoc with the lower order.

J Sellick (28) was the only batsman who offered any resistance to his wily off spin as he went on to claim figures of 5-16 from his nine overs.

Jack Richards (2-42) claimed two victims of his own before Charlie Tudball (1-31) picked up the last wicket to leave Newton 162 all out from 38 overs, 53 runs short of victory.

Minehead travel to Barrington tomorrow (Saturday) with promotion in the bag and the hope of a Wells slip-up opening the door to the league title.