ILMINSTER 2nds kept up their relentless chase of Division 3 leaders Trull with an eight-wicket win at home to Huish & Langport on Saturday.

Batting first on a flat track, Huish opener Terry Crocker was in sparkling form, hitting a fine century.

He was accompanied by Ben Richardson (42), who played a considered knock which ended in Huish reaching an under par 183-4 as the Ilminster attack kept it tight.

The home openers attacked from the off and C. Warry (74) and Adam Cox (70) made the victory a formality before departing having hit 22 4s between them. George Hayward (14no) and Ian Masters (19no) finished the job.

Lowly Chard 2nds lost by seven wickets to a strong North Newton 1sts, despite Scott Wells-Burr hitting a fine 62 and George Gladman 32 out of a total of 165 as Cameron Street took 4-23 off 9.

The Newts’ successful run chase was led by an unbeaten 88 from Josh Cook.

Broadway & Horton lost a thriller by one wicket at home to Kilve.

After hitting 188-9, the Broadway bowlers were thwarted with just two balls and one wicket to go as the visitors scampered home.

In Division 4, Barrington fell off the promotion chase with a six-wicket defeat at home to second placed Uphill Castle 2nds.

Barrington were all out for 127 with only Kevin Smith (34) and Alex Pitman (36) looking comfortable.

Jordan Brain bowled well for his 2-28 but there were never enough runs on the board.

Crewkerne pulled further away from the relegation places as they beat fellow strugglers South Petherton by 41 runs.

Eight Crewkerne batsmen reached double figures in their total of 215-9, as Robert Keylock top scored with a late 38, despite Marcus Bell’s 4-33.

It was going so well for Pethy with Harry Young (61) and Jon White (55no) bolstering the top order.

But then it was all down hill as Fraser Wallace (5-46), Darren Parsons (3-31) and Simon Cooper (2-44) enforced a collapse.

Leaders Ilton suffered a surprisingly heavy defeat at the hands of North Perrott 2nds, going down by 106 runs.

Batting first, Perrott’s Nick Taylor (74) and Joseph Eckland (38) put on 76 for the first wicket.

Sam Rowswell (52no) and Max Dicker (44no) saw the innings through to 244-5 - a score which proved far too heavy.

Ilton lost their openers early on but Damian Price (40) and Rich Price (30) added 52 before Max Dicker (4-31) came on to run through the middle order.

Scott Welch (30no) did his best late on but Ilton were all out for 138.

In Division 7S, Broadway & Horton 2nds lost by 53, despite a fine 89 from David Cook chasing Fitzhead Crusaders’ 251-5 Openers Mark Seward (70) and Dean Parsons (77no) set up the Crusaders with a stand of 105.

Crewkerne 2nds cruised to a 10-wicket win at Huish & Langport 2nds after Ashley Collins (3-16 off 8) and Leo James (3-10 off 5.3) bowled out the home side for 93. Robbie James (53no) and Owen Male (21no) finished the job.

Chard 3rds suffered an eight-wicket defeat despite posting 181 against Wincanton.

Phil Tolley top-scored with 49 but it proved inadequate as Matt Howell (69no) and Connor Williams (57no) raced to victory in the 21st over.

A fine, unbeaten 82 from Christian Hignett saw Ilton 2nds to 228-9 against North Perrott and a 94-run victory.

Josh Phillips saw off Perrott with 4-17 off 6.

South Petherton chased down Ilminster 3rds’ 132 and won by five wickets as Ian Lukins ended on 37no.