A STRONG performance from all-rounder Luke Milton saw Carhampton come tantalisingly close to securing their first victory of the season in the second division of the West Somerset Cricket League.

However, Watchet ultimately held their nerve in a tense finish at the Recreation Ground to come out on top by six runs and secure their position at the top of the table.

Carhampton can ultimately feel bitterly disappointed to have lost by such a short margin, but Watchet made a bright start to their innings after winning the toss and electing to bat. 

With some shrewd experience at the top of their order, Paul Sparks (18) and Martin Strong (49) set some strong foundations for the middle order to build on. Alastair Harrison did just that, caressing his way to a technically astute innings of 86. 

But the remaining batters were no match for Luke Milton, who ripped his way through the backbone of the Watchet team, ending with figures of 5-29 from 9 overs. Milton’s spell pegged Watchet back to 202-8 from 40 overs. 

Despite losing James Snell in the first over, Carhampton bounced back quickly thanks to a counter attacking cameo from Sam Price (25), followed by some patient stroke-play from the evergreen Matthew Long (24). 

But the onus fell on Milton again, who went on the offensive with a mesmerising display of 115 runs, including an impressive array of sixes dispatched to all corners of the ground. 

Sadly it wasn’t quite enough to cause the upset that Carhampton were hoping for. The wily Martin Strong (2-48) and consistent Dominic Bowden (2-25) were too much for Carhampton’s brittle tail end to cope with, which led to them to fall short by just six runs. 

Fine margins in a closely fought encounter. As Carhampton continue their search for form, lesser men might be tempted to bury their heads in the sand and resign to the prospects of relegation. 

But captain Westcott has a steady hand on the helm in these turbulent waters, with plenty of time to turn the fortunes in favour of the brave over the remaining course of the season.

Watchet 202/8 from 40 overs (A.Harrison 86, M.Strong 49, L.Milton 5-29, E.Barney 1-24), Carhampton 196-8 from 40 overs (L.Milton 115, S.Price 25, D.Bowden 2-25, B.Robinson 2-46).

Watchet now have an eight-point lead at the top over second-placed Winsford who gained a four-wicket away win over Huish Champflower over the weekend.

Huish scored 201 all out in their 39.5 overs with Josh Fyfe top scoring with 63.

Opener Lawrence Priest was in good form for Winsford, scoring 69 with 44 of these coming from boundaries.