CHAMPIONS Kilve missed a chance of improving their hopes of retaining the first division title in the West Somerset League when they lost to the current leaders Ashbrittle.

Star with the bat for Ashbrittle was Sam Shaikh who scored 85 at virtually a run a ball as the leaders totalled 186-8 in their 40 overs. Only one other Ashbrittle batter managed to make any runs - opener Wilfred Embleton who hit 42 before being run out. Solly Hicks took 3-19.

Kilve were in all sorts of trouble when batting with Carl Clemenson top scoring with 13 in an innings of 85 all out. Matt Lovell (3-26), Callum White (3-34) and Luke Williams (3-1) were Ashbrittle's wicket-takers.

Ashbrittle are now 27 points clear of second placed East Huntspill, while Kilve trail the leaders by 64 points, having already lost three games this season.

East Huntspill were involved in an exciting game at home to Bridgetown, winning by five runs. Huntspill scored 234 all out with Patrick Chisholm scoring 54 and Robert Pomeroy 43. C Gliddon led the spirited reply by Bridgetown with 74 not out, with his side on 229-9 at the close of their 40 overs.

In the only other match played in the top division, Stoke St Mary won by four wickets against Morebath who scored 238 all out. James Cary was their batting star with 127 while C J McKenna took 6-34. Stoke chased down this total with 19 balls to spare with Ashton Norie scoring 71 and Richard Hingston 57.

Unfortunately, Churchinford were unable to raise a side for their game at Brompton Ralph who were awarded 35 points.

Watchet are the new leaders of the second division after a thrilling six-run victory over Carhampton who ran out of overs when nearlng their target.

Watchet, batting first, scored 202-8 with Alastair Harrison hitting 86 and Martin Strong 49. Luke Milton was Carhampton's most successful bowler with 5-29.

Milton also starred with the bat, almost winning the game with a splendid knock of 115. Sam Price made 25 and Matthew Long 24. Dom Bowden, Ben Robinson and Strong snapped up two wickets.

Winsford are up to second in the table after winning by four wickets against Huish Champflower who were bowled out for 201 with one ball remaining. Josh Fyfe top scored with 63 while Will Ellis knocked 32. Dan Bowley and Will Palmer took three wickets each.

Lawrence Priest steered Winsford to victory with 69, which included 11 fours, while opener Chris Turner made 28.

Crowcombe won the only other game in the second division, beating Stoodleigh by four wickets. Stoodleigh scored 135-8 from their 40 overs. Crowcombe's bowling star was Rob White who took 5-37.

George Robertson (43) and Sajid Ahmen (34) led the run chase.