Young Sam McCrea stars for Belvedere in their victory over Stogumber.

BELVEDERE produced a fine all-round performance against Division 1 newcomers Stogumber winning by 103 runs.

Having lost the toss, Belvedere were asked to bat and made a great start as Chadwick and Ashfield put together a partnership of 67 before Ashfield was stumped for 27. Chadwick (57) and Huxtable (18) continued to lay the platform before both bowled.

Gadd and Jones continued to push on with Jones smashing boundaries over the rope with regular ease. Gadd (10) and Watts (3) soon departed leaving McCrea and Jones to push the score towards 200 plus.

Jones (46) and McCrea (19) batted superbly before perishing looking for quick runs. Despite the run outs of Taylor and Hancock, Belvedere finished their innings on 211-9.

After tea, Hosey and Ashfield both bowled tight spells. Hosey (1-23) struck first removing visiting skipper Weetch well caught by keeper Jones. Ashfield (1-27) was soon in the act having Thorne caught by Huxtable.

The game changed with the introduction of young McCrea, who bowled a fantastic spell. McCrea (4-21) had Watts lbw and then bounced out Barnes who was caught at square leg by Hancock.

Taylor (3-28) bowled well in tandem with McCrea to take wickets at regular intervals. McCrea struck twice more having Gilbert caught behind by Jones and Penny clean bowled.

Taylor was soon in the action inducing Walsh and Weetch to drive to McCrea at cover in quick succession. Broadhead (1-6) bowled Bryant to leave Taylor to wrap things up having Hayes caught by Gadd at long off.

Stogumber’s innings finished on 108 all out leaving Belvedere winners by 103 runs. Buildbase man of the match went to McCrea.

? After winning the toss, Belvedere seconds asked Staplegrove to bat and the visitors took full advantage of the wayward bowling and amassed 90 inside the first 10 overs.

It took a direct hit from Rob Newman to dismiss the dangerous Wiltshire for 60. The runs continued to flow until Newman got into the act again as he took a catch off the bowling of Crockett. Rob Statham(5-51) was brought into the attack and took some much needed wickets as the Staplegrove innings ended on 248-7.

In reply, Belvedere’s innings started off poorly as Long was dismissed for 0. Newman (40) and Crockett (14) steadied the ship until Crockett departed. Wickets fell at regular intervals and the only other notable scorers were Sam Neate (19), Mike Hosey (16) and Statham (14) as the home team were bowled out for 148.

Joint Buildbase men of the match were Rob Newman and Rob Statham.