Belvedere secure their Division 1 status, despite losing at Temple Cloud.

BELVEDERE travelled to Temple Cloud knowing that every point would be valuable in their quest to remain in Somerset Division 1.

The home side got off to a flying start as Sheppard and Hayne went on the attack. Both Hosey (0-45) and Cornish (1-41) bowled without luck. Cornish struck the opening blow having Hayne well caught at gully by Taylor.

The introduction of Loud and Taylor changed the pace of the game dramatically as Loud removed the dangerous Sheppard with his first ball. Taylor was soon in the action having Hamblin well caught by Chadwick at cover.

In the next over, Loud struck again removing K Curtis, caught by Watts. Belvedere began to gain some control of the game as Loud (4-48) bowled S Curtis and trapped G Veater leg before leaving the home side 117-6.

A steady flow of runs continued before Taylor (3-31) struck twice bowling James and having Head superbly caught by J Loud on the boundary. Iles and M Veater frustrated Belvedere before the introduction of Chadwick inished the home innings. Chadwick (2-6) bowled Veater and Mahoney to leave the home side 201 all out.

After tea, Belvedere’s innings got off to a poor start as Chadwick was caught off the second ball giving Curtis his first wicket. Taylor (18) took the attack to the home side with some fine cover drives before Curtis struck again.

Curtis bowled both Crockett and Watts to leave Belvedere struggling at 61-4. Gullick soon went leg before to Head. Curtis (8-19) ripped through the middle order as Cornish, A Loud, K Sully and J Loud were all bowled.

It was left to father and son Brian Hosey (3 not out) and Mike Hosey (8) who saw Belvedere to 83 before Mike Hosey was bowled by Hamblin.

Belvedere’s 14 points secured their Division 1 status with one game to go as Stogumber failed to beat Watchet.

Buildbase man of the match was shared by Andy Loud and Dave Taylor for a fine all-round performance.