BISHOPS Lydeard's promotion hopes suffered a major blow as they went down by six wickets away to North Perrott in the top of the table clash.

Lydeard, missing Brian Stone, Justin Burke and Dan Sizer, were, surprisingly, asked to bat on a typically excellent Perrott pitch.

And, initially, they looked like making the hosts pay for their decision as openers Andy Clark and Justin Heyward put on 80 for the first wicket before the latter went for 34.

Clark and teenager Rob Contereras (18) continued the good work taking the score onto 123-1 after 28 overs.

But, from there, things went downhill for the visitors. Clark was eventually out, controversially for 73 as the side slipped to 188-9 after their 45 overs.

Top bowler for Perrott was skipper Dave John with 3-35 from 12 overs.

In reply, Lydeard failed to take the early wickets they needed and, Perrott edged their way to victory with six wickets and 2.5 overs in hand. Former Somerset and Surrey batsman Greg Kennis top scored for the home team with 70.

The defeat means Lydeard have dropped back to third and need to win their remaining three games and hope results go their way if they are to claim the only promotion spot.

This Saturday, they are away to Ashcott and Shapwick.