ABBOTSKERSWELL are where they want to be going into the second half of the season – top of the C Division West table.

Abbots sit eight points clear of Alphington after a convincing 81-run win over Stoke Gabriel.

In-form Charlie Mitchell made 43 and Brett Williams 23 as Abbots reached 186 for seven.

Stoke got a rare appearance out of Dave Bolland (2-23) in the bowing attack and had Nathan Hicks to thank for a three-wicket haul.

Stoke didn’t bowl straight enough though and gave away 55 extras!

Tom Heath (3-19) and Elliot Adams (2-16) did the early damage then Connor Adams (3-20) mopped up as Stoke were bowled out for 105 in reply.

Hicks made 25 and there wasn’t much from the rest as Stoke faded badly after reaching 60 for one in reply.

Charlie Hill, the Abbots’ skipper said Heath’s spell was game changing.

“Our bowling was a bit wayward to start with and we struggled to find the right length to bowl on the pitch.

At 60 for one off 11 when Seb Ansley got out, Stoke were in the driving seat.

Tom Heath took out batters one, four and five in his nine overs, then Elliot picked up two more.

“On came Connor Adams and Noah Tobias to wrap up the game.”

Abbots have to win the division to be sure of promotion. Second-place means the play-offs.

Hill said Abbots are where they want to be now. Staying there is the tricky bit.

“We just have to make sure we keep grinding out wins and picking up as many points as we can,” said Hill.

“They guys keep on improving every week and as a captain I can't complain at the moment.

“I am hoping to go into the second half of the season with this momentum and keep pushing forward towards promotion.”