SHAPWICK & Polden 2s ended their Premier Division relegation fears with a 56-run win over high-flying Taunton St Andrew’s 2s on Saturday.

Batting first, Shapwick openers William Rudge (21) and Jacques Luckins (51) set up a big total.

Although no-one added a large score, Tom Smith (38) and Steven Spencer (28) took their side to 222-5.

In reply, the Saints looked capable of challenging the total when Jake Harnett (30) and James Rew (42) were at the wicket.

But, after they went, Rob Travers came on to sweep away the middle order in a spell of 6-47 off nine overs.

In Division 2, Bridgwater 3s gave leaders Wells a good battle before losing by two wickets.

Put in to bat, Bridgwater had opener Tim Netto (56) to thank for holding the innings together as they struggled to 32-4.

He was joined by Daniel Andison (35) and the pair put on 61.

James Salt (17) and Simon Keith (12) also made useful contributions in a total of 162.

The bowling of Michael Skidmore (3-39 off 9) had Wells in trouble early on but Ben Stacey’s half-century kept the scoreboard ticking over.

He and James Dredge (20) added 70 vital runs and Wells scraped home.

North Newton suffered a disappointing defeat at Broadway & Horton in Division 3.

Broadway stuttered to 189, mainly thanks to James Payne (47) and Paul Anderson (42) as James White and Cameron Street took three wickets apiece.

But the Newts’ reply fell 55 short, despite Alex White (31) and Jack Sellick (31) looking in good nick.

Kilve’s up-and-down season continued with a big win over fellow strugglers Chard 2s.

Batting first, Pete Stone (44) and Andrew Rock (31) opened with a solid stand. This was followed up by Carl Clemenson and Dave Rowsell’s 47 apiece which saw Kilve close on 277-9.

Fraser Lewis was the pick of the Chard bowlers.

In reply, Martin James (3-16 off 9) and Ryan Penwell (2-3 off 4) dismissed the top order and only a late 33 from skipper Andrew Sochon took Chard over the 100-mark and on to 114.

Wembdon 2s were well beaten by six wickets at Ilminster 2s after deciding to bat. The top order was out of sorts with Paul McKinley top scoring with 28 in a total of 102-8.

It was never enough as Ian Masters (42no) and Josh House (22) saw them home.

In Division 6N, Wembdon received forfeit points against bottom club East Huntspill.

This mid-table battle ended with Shapwick & Polden 3s ending 24 runs short of Cheddar 2s 197-5.

Richard Kent hit a fine 69 for Cheddar as Russ Edwards took 2-43 off eight.

Shapwick lost two early wickets but Dave Ewbank (27) and Theo Spring (74) mounted a fightback, with Paul Kennard adding 23 to put them in a strong position.

However, the introduction of Ryan Llewellyn (3-24) and Richard Llewellyn (2-5) put paid to any hopes of victory as the later order collapsed to 173 all out.

Middlezoy 2s suffered a heavy defeat at home to fellow strugglers Long Sutton 2s after the visitors posted 235-4 in Division 6S.

Sutton had Archie Heywood (65) and Ollie Heywood (50) to thank for the challenging total as Middlezoy’s attack struggled to break through.

It was a different story when the home side replied, Nathan Peppard falling early and Tony Flitton (28) being the top scorer.

As a result, Middlezoy were all out for 109, Richard Yandle (3-19) being the pick of the visitors’ bowlers.

Bridgwater Pointers lost by 74 at Sparkford after the home side posted 210-6.

Feature of the Sparkford innings was 87 from opener Alfie Ogborne but there were two wickets apiece for Jake Sweeting, Sam Marsh and Mike Luckes.

The Pointers lost both openers with 22 on the board. Liam Gilbert (36) and Freddie Brewer (22) mounted a revival but it was never enough.

The gulf between leaders Trull 2s and North Petherton 2s was apparent as the latter lost by 146.

Trull batted first and hoisted 257-8 following 51 from Luke Bishop and 75 from Nathan Ball. Spencer Frost took four middle order wickets but at a heavy cost.

Pethy started off in positive mood with skipper Eddy Stone leading with 35 and Adam Burns adding 28.

However, Aaron Lake came on to take 6-12 and put the result beyond doubt.

***

HOLFORD have won the West Somerset League Division 1 trophy following their nine-wicket win at home to Roadwater on Saturday.

The visitors were bowled out for 72 with in-form Taylor Buller taking 4-33 and W. Read 5-37.

When Holford replied, they coasted home with Buller adding 39no to his tally.