Belvedere’s promotion hopes were dealt a severe blow after a defeat against Uphill Castle 2nd XI.

A poor batting display saw leaders Belvedere slip to a 75-run defeat against Uphill Castle 2nd XI.

Belvedere got off to the perfect start when Gareth Williams was held by Jack Neville at gulley off the bowling of Mike Hosey after only three balls.

Callum Neate accounted for Paul Kuht caught behind by Pete Hooper and although Tom Oultram (25) offered some resistance, the home side slipped to 69-5 with Mark Hodder and Steve Worrall soon falling to Sam Mccrea and Neville.

Nick Kuht (20) and Ray Dibben (22) counter-attacked and Mark Patch (27) helped his side to 145-9 off their 45 overs with wickets falling to Mccrea (9-1-19-3), Neville (9-1-21-2), Neil Chadwick (4-0-10-1), Hosey (4-0-16-1), James Robinson (5-0-18-1) and Neate (9-0-35-1) in an excellent bowling display.

In response, Belvedere quickly lost Mccrea and Hooper to the bowling of Patch until Hosey and Chadwick rallied. At 45-2 Belvedere were in a good position, but three wickets in a over from Patch saw Hosey (25) Chadwick (14) and Crockett (0) all caught and the vistors in disarray at 45-5.

This quickly became 57-8 and Belvedere were eventually dismissed for just 70 in the 24th over with wickets falling to Pete Jobling (2-19), Patch (5-25), Singhal (2-18) and Williams (1-8).

With Wellington and Trull having games in hand over Belvedere, this defeat probably sees an end to their promotion hopes, although with just matches against Wellington and Trull to come, everything is still to play for.