Uphill Castle defeated fellow strugglers Wembdon by 19 runs in a low-scoring match.

Uphill Castle entertained fellow strugglers Wembdon in a must win game and came out with a 19-run victory in a low-scoring game.

The hosts lost the toss and were asked to bat in overcast conditions and got off to a perfect start with Dayne Siede and Andre Belcher putting on 55 for the first wicket, but once Siede went for 28 and Belcher for 33, things started to slow down and at 91-3, Uphill were still in a strong position.

After the drinks break, Wembdon turned to spin and with the wicket still a bit damp, overseas player Josh Henry took control of the game with his left-arm spin and claimed figures of 5-32 as Castle were bowled out for a disappointing 128.

After the break, Uphill knew they had to make an early breakthrough and this they did with Siede bowling with great line and length and Luke Bliss keeping the other end tight, Wembdon found themselves 9-4.

The visitors got back into the game until Uphill used their left-arm spinner Marcus Bail with great effect by taking a wicket and at the drinks break Wembdon were 70-5.

Bail came into his own, bowling a tremendous line and with his team supporting him with some great catches, Wembdon were bowled out for 109.

Siede finished with 3-15, Bliss 1-8 and Autosmart man of match Marcus Bail 6-35.

This was a tremendous victory for Uphill and with another home game on Saturday against Yeovil, they know safety is within their sight, but will have to be at their best again.