MINEHEAD Third XI pulled off a surprise result in Division Three of the West Somerset Cricket League when they beat table toppers Hemyock by 178 runs.

After winning the toss and batting first at their Lutterell Way home, Minehead lost three wickets cheaply before Jithin Rajan joined the other opener Charlie Tudball who was making a visit home from his Scilly Isles base.

Between them the fifth wicket pair helped Minehead to 246 for seven, Tuball ending on 126 which included 14 fours and seven 6s, while Rajna made 57 with seven 4s and two 6s.

Pick of the Hemlock bowlers was Pavisekan Nadesvaran who ended with four for 42 from his nine overs, while Jimmy Adams took two for 45.

When the visitors replied Ben Cobb claimed two early wickets for Minehead before opener Jalal Ahmed and Nadesvaran steadied the situation. However on 16, Nadesvaran became a third victim for Ben Cobb after which only Shish Kumar with 10 offered any resistance.

The table toppers were eventually all out for 68 in 18.3 overs, Ahmed remaining unbeaten on 21.Jithin Rajan with four wickets for 8 runs from his 5.3 overs, two of which were maidens, was the pick of the bowlers while Cobb claimed three 18 from four overs with two maidens.

This was certainly a surprise result in the division because the Devon side had lost only one of their previous matches this season and still have a 33-point lead at the top, with Cutcombe lying second and Bishops Hull third.

Minehead will be looking to maintain such form when they play away to Stoodleigh, who are bottom of the table, on Saturday, July 5.

Fixtures, Division Three: Ashbrittle 2nd XI v Hemyock, Carhampton v Cannington, Cutcombe v Bishops Hull, Stoodleigh v Minehead 3rd XI.