TOPSHAM St James Under-11 pairs team produced an excellent all-round performance to defeat Budleigh 62 runs at home.

Budleigh struggled against some accurate bowling and lightening fielding, especially by James Wright who was responsible for a pair of run-outs.

In both case it was Wright’s quick thinking and reactions that saw him throw the ball into his wicketkeepers gloves to complete the run out.

The whole team bowled well, with special mention to James Wright, Jack Turner and Adam Cotgrove. Ben King has had great problems with his action and has not pitched the ball on the strip too often, but, in this game he found a great line and length to send down a pair of sharp overs and claimed one wicket for a meagre eight runs for what was without doubt his most impressive improved performance this year.

The first three pairs scored an average of 20 runs each, so out last paid of James and Ben Haigh were not under pressure and they both played some super strokes with Ben plundering 24 runs including four hefty boundaries.

Coach Richard Haigh said: “It was a really good all-round show. There are areas in which the team can improve. Running between the wickets - do not wait for the fielder to pick the ball up in order to decide on a run as it is too late then, and remember that fielding can certainly win matches!”