Uphill Castle’s promotion hopes took a hit when they lost for the first time in more than two months.

Uphill Castle lost for the first time in more than two months when they lost by six wickets to a strong Ashbrittle side.

Uphill won the toss and elected to bat first and proceedings did not start well after Seb Winn and Jermaine Jones were both caught at slip to leave the Castle at 6-2 after six overs.

George Chapman (20) dug deep for the side, along with Andy Llewellyn (59). Once Chapman was bowled, George Cox (56) batted well again and smashing the ball around.

Markus Bail (26) batted sensibly, but was eventually bowled. Kieran Ward (11 not out) hit some quick runs, but unfortunately his partners at the other end fell around him as Uphill finished on 205 all out.

George Cox (9-1-56-2) opened the bowling and bowled his best all season as he took two early wickets after some great catching by Jones and keeper Paddy Holyday.

Bail (9-5-17-1) and Ward (9-0-30-0) worked well together as they slowed down the rate to leave the game in the balance at 30 overs.

Bail’s wicket came from a great catch by Winn at cover, before the skipper gambled with Chapman (4-0-27-1) bowling his leg spin and it seemed to have worked when he had Ashbrittles captain caught by Winn in his first over.

But some loose bowling and some excellent batting cruised Ashbrittle to a six wicket win. Sam Matthews (3.1-0-20-0) and Tommy Llewellyn both bowled well and were unlucky not to pick up a wicket.

Uphill are still in the mix for promotion, but travel to top of the table Minehead with a depleted side on Saturday.