Uphill Castle defeated neighbours Cheddar in a top of the table clash to keep their promotion push on target.

Uphill Castle won the top of the table clash against Cheddar to put them right in the mix for promotion.

Castle arrived at Cheddar full of confidence due to recent form and on a wicket that didn’t look great. It was important toss to win and captain Ward put the hosts into bat first.

This seemed to be the right decision as Cox (7-1-20-1) found an early breakthrough, while at the other end, Matthews (9-1-41-2) got Cheddar’s other opener caught and bowled.

Once again, the Bail (9-0-34-0) and Ward (9-1-20-1) partnership worked as they frustrated Cheddar which forced a breakthrough when Ward picked up a wicket to leave Cheddar at 100-3 after 30 overs.

Llewellyn (7-0-36-0) bowled tightly, causing Cheddar batsmen to take on Chapman’s (3-0-16-4) leg spin, all coming from catches from Cox, T Llewellyn and Ward. Uphill were very happy for Cheddar to end up on 184-8.

Uphill started positively with Winn (40) and Chapman (8) until Chapman was giving out in odd circumstances. Jones (25), struggling with a knee injury, smashed his runs in quick time and at drinks, Uphill found themselves 100-4 with A Llewellyn (61 not out) and T Llewellyn (19) at the crease and they batted maturely to keep up with the required run rate.

T Llewellyn was out on the 35th over which brought in brother Jake (14) to the crease and he batted well until he was bowled. Ward was given out lbw next over which left the game in the balance.

However, the experience of Bail (3 not out) and A Llewellyn saw the side home with seven balls to spare as he smashed a four over the off side which set off big celebrations from the Uphill players and travelling supporters who were out in force. Man of the match went to A Llewellyn, who is providing a lot of experience for this young talented side, who now look to push on and win the league.

Uphill Castle Seconds got back to winning ways at home, defeating Banwell and Churchill by four wickets.

Castle skipper Mark Hodder lost the toss and were asked to field in sultry conditions.

Early breakthroughs for Pete Jobling (1-21) and Luke Bliss (2-21), who bowled five-consecutive maidens, put Castle on top, with runs hard to come by.

With 15 overs remaining in the innings, Banwell were crawling at 80-3, but some late hitting from centurion Gale (100) and Bush (35 not out) gave the visitors hope, closing on 196-7.

Castle lost Hodder (2) early, but well-built knocks from Gareth Williams (21) and Tom Oultram (42) gave the home side a solid foundation.

Bliss’ arrival at the crease proved to be pivotal. Punishing loose deliveries and launching into the spinners, the all-rounder’s classy 82 not out put Uphill well ahead of the rate.

Quickfire runs from Frost (17), Patch (10) and Ogbourne (8) made the victory certain, giving Uphill a much need win with 10 overs remaining.