Shepton Mallet Sunday 137-5 beat Stratton on the Fosse 135 all out by 5 wickets

League leaders Shepton travelled to Stratton with a slightly weakened side, but were glad to be playing after heavy rain during the week.

Shepton bowled first and early on it became obvious that patience was going to be the key for the batsmen on a very slow wicket.

Several poor shots led to Stratton finding themselves in trouble at 3-2 after some great bowling from Black (3-14) and Wood (2-14).

Twelve continuous overs from leg spin-twins Beck (3-21) and Peck (1-26) at one end then followed, both having the nerve to give the ball a lot of air to ensure keeper Allen was alert behind the stumps.

Economical bowling from Futcher (1-15) meant that the batsmen were forced into hitting out against the spinners. With batsmen crumbling around them, only Nowell (31) and Loud (79) managed to get scores on a scorecard which showed five ducks.

In reply, Shepton openers Beck (53) and Allen (8) got off to a steady start, putting on 48 for the first wicket.

Beck played the ideal innings on the surface provided, starting slowly, but accelerating through to 50. However, the bowling of Cleverly (2-18) got Beck and Futcher (12) through the gate.

And, after captain Elstob (6) and Wood (13) were dismissed with the score on 105, the Shepton bench was starting to get twitchy.

However, a great cameo from Black (19no) and support from Wigglesworth (7no) took the score to 137, Black even sacrificing his new bat to the cause.

Loud followed up a brilliant batting display with figures of 2-24, but could not stop Shepton reaching their target in the 39th over.