BELVEDERE slipped to a 19-run defeat at Purnells, leaving them to win one of their last three matches to ensure safety in Somerset Division 1.

BELVEDERE slipped to a 19-run defeat at Purnells, leaving them to win one of their last three matches to ensure safety in Somerset Division 1.

The home side elected to bat and soon lost opener Hewish to Brian Hosey in the third over.

Brookes and home skipper Crocker played watchfully until Rob Watts yorked Crocker and Watts dismissed Nolan in his next over to leave Purnells reeling at 61-3.

Anup Kolambkar and Ashley Woodall, on his first team debut, kept a tight rein on the scoring, giving few opportunities. They were backed up by an excellent fielding display, the highlight being a rare direct hit from Hosey at square leg to dismiss Gregory at the bowler's end.

Kolambkar and Woodall took wickets at regular intervals and Joe Gadd wrapped up the innings by bowling Seabrook to see Purnells dismissed for 171.

Kolambkar was rewarded for an excellent spell with 3-31, Woodall 2-43 and Watts 2-27.

Belvedere's reply got off to the worst possible start, losing the first three for just 25. Neil Chadwick followed with the score on 54, leaving an uphill task.

Skipper Ian Tasker and Rob Watts set about repairing the damage, dispatching poor balls and mixing this with resolute defence.

They took the score to 119-4, swinging the match back in Belvedere's favour until both were dismissed within two runs of each other, Tasker for a fine 53 and Watts 27.

Ray Dibben, Woodall and Nitin Takyar, also on his first team debut, soon followed, leaving defeat imminent at 134-9.

Some lusty blows from Paul Davis took the visitors to within 20 runs of victory until Hosey was dismissed in the 43rd over.

Tasker Printers man of the match went to Ian Tasker.