Uphill Castle cruised to victory at Taunton Deane to make it a third league victory on the trot.

Uphill Castle made it three wins on the bounce as they beat a good Taunton Deane 2nd XI, thanks to some impressive individual displays.

With road closures in Taunton causing some delays, vice-captain Marcus Bail lost the toss and Uphill were put into the field.

On a wicket that was perfect for batting, it seemed Taunton had made the right call. Opening bowlers George Cox and Bail bowled well, but were not helped as a few catches went down, but Bail finally made the breakthrough.

Skipper Kieran Ward was introduced into the attack and he soon picked up a wicket. George Chapman, Jermaine Jones and Andy Llewellyn were all bowled and breakthroughs came for Llewellyn when he had the Taunton Deane captain caught by Ward and Chapman claiming a caught and bowled.

However, catches were still going down and with the outfield as quick as it will be all season, Taunton finished on a 230-5.

The innings started badly and Uphill soon found themselves 18-3, with openers Chapman and Steve Worrall falling, with the latter out to an outstanding catch.

Andy Llewellyn (78 not out) and Jermaine Jones (33) dug deep for a few overs before they both found their stride, as Llewellyn smashed the opening bowler for three fours in one over and Jones smashing a huge six before he was bowled.

This brought Cox (81 not out) to the crease who was looking to kickstart his season with the bat. Both batsmen batted superbly and they saw Uphill home with ease to make it another win for the Castle.

Coach Phillip Loud was proud of the effort and fight of the side, especially at the position they were in and the depleted sde they had. Man of the match went to the experienced Andy Llewellyn.

Castle seconds suffered a heavy home defeat to high-riding promotion favourites Trull.

The visitors ran up 231-9 with Papey scoring 41. The total could have been much higher, but for Uphill picking up regular wickets from Disney, Patch and Leech. Ed Bliss took 3-35 and older brother Luke grabbed 2-26.

In reply, the home team were swiftly bowled out for 78, with Oultram scoring 24 and man of the match Ed Bliss hitting 23.