WIVELISCOMBE 2nd XI are the new leaders of the fourth division in the West Somerset Cricket League after beating Buckand St Mary & Bishopswood in a top of the table clash by five wickets.

Wiveliscombe are now six points clear of their title rivals - and also have a game in hand. Fitzhead are only three points behind Buckland - and they, too, have a match in hand.

Buckland, put into bat by Wiveliscombe, were bowled out for 79 with only P Endersby (20), P Every (15) and T Stead (16) managing to get into double figures against the bowling of W Heynes (4-15), J Hayward (3-29) and S Milsom (2-41).

Wiveliscombe’s batting was held together by opener R Strutt-Hannaford who made 40, with nine fours, while S Butler (10) and I Pincombe (12) were not out.

Fitzhead missed out on a chance of going second when they slumped to a four-wicket loss against Over Stowey in a low-scoring encounter.

Fizhead, who opted to bat first, must have regretted their decision as they were bowled out for 92 despite an opening stand of 39 by Garry Alford (25) and S Everington (15). The only other batter to make double figures was Tom Simms (16). Dave Rowsell was the outstanding bowler with 5-25 while Steve Easton took 2-21.

Harley Rich was the only player to get into double figures for Stowey but his score of 55 not out, which included eight fours, won the day for Stowey. Ryan Mullins took 4-13 and Neil Mullins 2-40.

Roadwater, in fourth spot, were also beaten, losing by four wickets to Stoke St Mary who made 165-6 in answer to their opponents’ 163-9.

Meanwhile, Wiveliscombe find themselves without a game on Saturday, August 16. Fixtures: Brompton Ralph v Buckland St Mary & Bishopswood, Fitzhead v Stoke St Mary, Roadwater v East Huntspill, Spaxton v Over Stowey.