ILMINSTER 2s had nine balls to spare as they sneaked home by four wickets in the Division 3 derby tussle against Broadway & Horton on Saturday.

Batting first, Broadway reached 214-6, thanks to a fine 82 from Spencer Larkman and 48 from Harry Dunn.

Ilminster’s reply was led by C. Warry with 66, while Josh House held his nerve with 42no as the overs ran out.

Over at Chard, the 2nd XI took on leaders Trull and went the way of most other teams - losing by 151 runs.

The visitors posted 284-8 as Andy Sapey (63) and Brian Stone (83) hit out.

Then Andy Clancy (31) and Nick Crew (25no) did their best to stem the tide but found Graham Fitt (4-29) and Tim Gibbs (3-22) in top form.

In Division 4, Ilton’s promotion hopes took a battering at the hands of visitors Huntspill & District who posted 279-6.

The innings featured a fine, unbeaten 112 from Jake Randall despite Damian Price’s three-wicket haul.

Ilton opener Andrew Haste was still unbeaten on 108 as the wickets ran out with 149 on the board, Matt Counsell (4-28) and Sam Lillycrop (3-29) doing the damage.

Barrington were all out just nine runs short of Crewkerne’s 206-5 with Jon and Christopher Gould’s 60s making the difference.

When Barrington replied, Kevin Smith and Michael Towill both hit half-centuries but it was not quite enough.

Over at North Perrott, the 2nd XI cruised home to a nine-wicket win against Peasedown St John.

The Saints batted first and were all out for 140, Rhys Swift’s late 34 giving the total some oomph.

Rick Hyett and George Johnson both took three wickets apiece and it was all over 24 overs later as Johnson (63no) and Jesse Meaker (59no) brought home the victory.

South Petherton had a few uncomfortable moments chasing Wellington 2s’ 110 before winning with three wickets to spare.

Adam Young took 4-11 and Tom Ross 3-18 to set up the win but the batsmen made hard work of it before Tom Balch (30) and, latterly, Kevin White (27) did just enough.

Long Sutton 2s travelled to Trull 2s and were beaten by eight wickets.

When Sutton batted, opener Jack Lyons top-scored with 43 and Charlie O’Dea 25no, but they could muster only 144-9 as Jerry Palmer took 4-19 off 8.

Trull’s reply was led by John England’s unbeaten 67.

Crewkerne 2s were well beaten by Taunton Deane 4s in their Division 7S encounter.

Batting first, the Deane posted 207-6, Dan Parsons hitting 58.

Crewkerne’s reply started well but once the openers went there was little left apart from a defiant 44 from Leo James.

Erin Bymes and Graham Johnson took three wickets apiece.

Lydford Sports conceded their match at Broadway & Horton 2s.

In Division 8S, South Petherton 2s kept their promotion interests alive with a 10-wicket win at home to Chard 3s.

The visitors elected to bat and were in trouble from the start, with only Josh Salisbury (22) looking comfortable at the crease.

Alex Davy took 3-5 off 6 and Sam Holder 3-10 off 8 as Chard were all out for 68 Chard made short work of their reply through Ian Lukins (13no) and Gary Wookey (35no).

North Perrott 3s coasted to an eight-wicket win against Wincanton, who were all out for 111.

Johnny Hopper (3-12) was the main wicket-taker, then Brandon Moy’s 66no made it easy for Perrott.