Cheddar claim local derby win as relegation threat deepens for Belvedere.

BELVEDERE entertained local rivals Cheddar knowing a win would pull them away from the threat of relegation.

Having won the toss Cheddar chose to bat first on a pitch offering variable bounce. Belvedere made a great start as McCrea (1-27) bowled Jarman with the first ball of the day. Sims and Mehlig battled well, showing good technique before the latter was trapped leg before by Broadhead (1-29).

Sims continued to look in good form before the introduction of Chadwick (1-12) had him well caught at deep mid-wicket by Hosey for 27.

Cheddar captain Loughlin batted in a sensible manner as others around him made starts and perished as man of the match Matt Cornish (5-39) bowled a fine spell. French was first to go, well caught by Jones, while Tinton, Travis, Grayshon and Crummey were all bowled by Cornish as Cheddar looked to accelerate.

Loughlin smashed numerous boundaries in getting Cheddar to a competitive 191 all out, the final two wickets falling to run outs by Hosey and Jack Gadd (0-37), who bowled a fine spell at the death.

Belvedere’s reply began in a positive fashion as Cheddar failed to find the right lines. However, Cheddar’s opening bowler Crummey was soon into his stride having Cornish (8) caught behind and Jones (0) caught at short extra-cover as he drove tamely.

The same bowler struck soon after as McCrea (3) was caught at mid-on looking to drive over the top. Chadwick and Crockett battled hard as the pitch began to offer variation in bounce.

The introduction of spinner Kent had immediate rewards as Crockett (7) was bowled round his legs. Chadwick (26) looked to be well set before Crummey got one to stay low and trap him leg before.

Kent soon struck again as Ashfield drove to extra cover, bringing together Hosey and Jack Gadd, who showed battling qualities when defeat looked imminent. Jarman soon struck, bowling Hosey (7) with a yorker. Jack Gadd and Neate continued to attack before Gadd (20) was caught at deep mid-wicket.

Gary Gullick soon followed, adjudged leg before to Jarman, before the innings finished with Broadhead being bowled by Kent, leaving Sam Neate unbeaten on 9.

Belvedere will need to improve quickly if they are to maintain their Division 1 status.