WEMBDON strengthened their position at the top of the WEPL Somerset Division with a 92-run victory over Staplegrove on Saturday.

Batting first Wembdon amassed a huge 304-8 from their 50 overs, thanks to 94 from Russell Peck and 69 from Dan Bingham. In reply, 5-31 from Rakash Joshi helped to dismiss Staplegrove for 212 in the 49th over.

Having won the toss, Wembdon decided to bat first on a very dry grassless surface and got off to an indifferent start, losing R Gower (8) with the score on 14. The early wicket brought R Peck (94) to the crease who found the boundary at regular intervals.

When Puddy (12) was dismissed, Wembdon were 80 for 2 off 14 overs. Brockwell (44) continued his strong start to the season, adding 79 to the total with Peck. By this stage Peck had reached his 50 from 49 balls and together with Brockwell, upped the scoring rate quite substantially; Brockwell in particular landing a number of huge blows far more beyond the ropes.

Brockwell was the third wicket to fall, leaving Wembdon 158 for 3 with 20 overs remaining. Bingham (69) joined Peck but the latter was out shortly, just six short of his century. Wembdon didn't let up though as Bingham and the lower order kept the momentum going. The lower order then went on the attack and between them, added 92 off the last ten overs to finish on 304 for 8 from their 50 overs.

Wembdon began well with the ball, but the limited swing made wicket taking difficult early on. But it was spin that would turn the game. Peck came into the attack and claimed the prize wicket of leading run scorer D Sizer (39) stumped by Eckley just before the drinks break and Brockwell claimed a wicket with the last ball of his spell, leaving it to Joshi, Peck and Gower to turn Wembdon to victory. Joshi put in a captain’s performance and was backed up by some good catching in the deep as he claimed a superb 5-31, whilst Peck 2-37, and Gower 2-30 supported him brilliantly.

Staplegrove were dismissed for 212 in the 49th over. Wembdon increase the lead over the rest of the division at the half way stage in the season.