TOPSHAM St James under-12s were involved in a thrilling encounter with Culmstock, writes Malcolm Shepherd.

TOPSHAM St James under-12s were involved in a thrilling encounter with Culmstock, writes Malcolm Shepherd.

The visitors had two players who retired after making 30 plus before closing on 130 but the Saints bowlers and fielders did well, conceding just a dozen extras in total - a season's best to date!

Paceman Inder Singh bowled with his usual economy for no reward and spinner Jim Shepherd, who beat the bat several times, also ended wicket less. Tom Sage claimed his customary victim but the pick of the bowlers were the excellent Joe Beauchamp with 1-11 off his four overs and Oliver Brady who took two wickets in the final over - one a tough catch by young Beauchamp, that the lads second of the game.

In reply, openers Chris Richardson and Alex Davison made a fine start, running well between the wickets. Richardson was run out trying to push things along and Davison was eventually bowled on 15, his best score this year. Louis Lloyd helped put on 15 for the 2nd wicket before he was bowled and Andrew Doane followed quickly as the pressure to score mounted. Oliver Brady and Jim Shepherd came together on 33-4 and took the score to 64 before Brady was caught after a sparkling and aggressive 11. Shepherd then went on the attack, hitting four of his six boundaries off consecutive balls, but had to retire after passing 30. Tom Sage, 14 not out, and Inder Singh, who retired hurt on 8, kept up the attack but the target was always just out of reach and Saints were narrowly beaten at stumps.