MINEHEAD maintained their big lead over second-placed Stogumber in Division Three of the West Somerset Cricket League with a comfortable home success against Carhampton.

The seasiders, who are unbeaten, bowled out Carhampton for 144 in 35.4 overs and knocked off the runs for the loss of only four wickets.

Stogumber, who are 83 points behind Minehead but have a game in hand, won by four wickets in a low scoring match at Fitzhead who were bowled out for 97 with Dale Edney top scoring with 34. Edward Mock took 4-10 in nine overs.

Stogumber encountered some batting problems of their own against the bowling of Ryan Mullins (5-19) before being steered home by James Herniman who scored 42.

Wiveliscombe, in fourth spot, won by 45 runs in a high-scoring home game against Buckland St Mary & Bishopswood. Wivey scored 278-8 in their 40 overs and then bowled out the visitors for 233.

Ashbrittle made it a good day for the club, beating Over Stowey by 169 runs. Ashbrittle made 249-6 with Chris Hill scoring 58, Rob Popplestone 54, Andy Hill 46 and Rob Hill 30 while Stowey struggled to 80 all out with J Adams taking 3-28 and R Potbury 3-16.

In Division Four, Stogumber remain top three points clear on Roadwater with two games in hand after beating Brompton Ralph by ten wickets with S Batten (60) and F Bennett (74) knocking off the runs.

Roadwater won by 91 runs against Stoke St Mary with Toby Dutton taking 3-29 and David Middleton 3-20.

Results, Division Three: Fitzhead 97 (10), Stoodleigh 100-6 (34); Minehead 145-4 (35), Carhampton 144 (11); Over Stowey 80 (10), Ashbrittle 249 (35); Wiveliscombe 278-8 (35), Buckland St Mary & Bishopswood 233 (18).

Division Four: East Huntspill (0), Morebath (35); Roadwater 163-7 (32), Stoke St Mary 72 (11); Stogumber 140-0 (35), Brompton Ralph 135 (6); Taunton Deane 177-7 (33), Spaxton 140 (14).