CRICKET: Somerset League round-up - Middlezoy make sticky start to season

Batting first, they made a solid start with M. Troman (36) and N. Jones (12) setting up the innings.

But they lost wickets regularly with S. Keith (14), N. Barnard (19), B. Warren (15) and P. Tilling (11) getting going but unable to post a big score.

Middlezoy closed on 152-9 with T. Clark (3-20) the pick of the Cheddar bowlers.

In reply, Cheddar lost an early wicket by S. Harris (36) led his team to a two-wicket victory, despite a fine spell of 3-40 from G. Musgrave.

On Saturday, Middlezoy hit back with a five-wicket victory over Taunton Deane 2nd XI.

N. Barnard and J. dillow both took three wickets at P. Tilling two as they bowlled the Deane out for 177.

In reply, J. Lacey was the star of the match, hitting a fine 94 and N. Barnard ensured the victory with an unbeaten 29.

In Division 2, Bridgwater A lost by two wickets in a close-run affair against Kilmington & Stourton.

Batting first, Jack Luff, making his debut, hit a fine 62. He had support from D. Andison (22) and D. Rossiter (30), who added late runs to the closing score of 189-9.

Luff was again prominent in Kilmington's reply, taking 5-46 in nine overs.

However, an opening stand between S. Gillatt (36) and B. Skipworth (50) set up the victory as T. Barton's unbeaten 30 finished the job.

North Newton failed to defend a total of 205-9 against Minehead 2nd XI, losing by five wickets.

J. Stone was the backbone of the Newton innings, hitting 74 after his side had lost early wickets.

J. Sellick offered support with 34 and M. Skuse added late runs with 21.

C. Tudball, with 4-37, was the pick of the Minehead bowlers.

Minehead's reply was led by M. Sully, with 90, and consistent batting saw them home with overs to spare, despite C. Barrington taking 4-37.

In Division 4, Kilve won their match against Wembdon 2nd XI by four wickets.

Wembdon's innings relied on J. Lowe's 72 but only C. Jenkins (18) offered support as they were bowled out for 151.

E. Martin's unbeaten 38 led the reply and his partnership with G. Stone (36) set up the victory, while M. Girling made sure with 27.

L. Hawkins bowled well to take 3-20 for Wembdon.

Middlezoy 2nds suffered a seven-wicket defeat at the hands of Winscombe 2nds in Division 7N.

Batting first, Middlezoy lost an early wicket but J. Gray held things together with a fine, unbeaten 90.

E. Peacock added 25 and C. Searle a late 16 as Middlezoy were bowled out for 164.

With D. Baileey notching an unbeaten 103, Winscombe's victory was never in doubt, with G. Purchase claiming 2-42 for Middlezoy.

In Division 7S, North Petherton 2nds found Taunton Deane Cavaliers' target of 232 for victory just too much.

The Cavaliers' J. Mynett hit a fine unbeaten 102 with opener Dave Stephenson adding a classy 76 in their total of 231-2.

Pethy's reply stuttered before a fine stand between L. Winter (41) and T. Lambert (71) gave them hope. But they were always behind the clock despite late efforts by R. Williams (16), B. Williams (15) and P. Derbridge (18no).

Spaxton fell 13 runs short in their Division 8N match against Wembdon Wyverns.

The Wyverns were in deep trouble against the Spaxton bowling attack of A. Richards (3-14) and F. Brewer (3-28). But it turned around as E. Howes came in at No 8 and hit a match-winning unbeaten 80 to take his side to 175.

In reply, Spaxton's openers D. Rich (20) and N. Davey (21) laid the foundation for victory but only S. Bellinger (43) and D. Pople (21) made other contributions as they ran out of overs.

In Division 8S, Wembdon Academy were well beaten by Trull 2nds, losing by 216 runs.

Trull openers T. Crowe (102no) and M. Kearley (98) set up their side's total of 275-3.

In reply, the Academy's C. Savage (25) was their only batsman in double figures as they slumped to 59 all out.

Bridgwater Sports beat Wedmore 2nds by nine wickets in Division 9N.

Batting first, Wedmore could only reach 99 with M. Hunt top-scoring with 38.

Sports coasted home with B. Winter (46no) and A. Knight (27no) seeing them past their target.