West of England Premier League
Somerset Division
Chard 86-4 (revised target 86 from 20 overs) beat Minehead 166 by six wickets

MINEHEAD dropped to the bottom of the WEPL Somerset Division with a rain-affected defeat to fellow strugglers Chard on Saturday.

Made to bat first for the sixth game in six on a wicket that offered more than a little assistance to the bowling side, Minehead got off to a poor start when skipper Andrew Stevens was controversially adjudged lbw for 6.

This led to a flurry of early wickets, and Minehead found themselves in a flummox at 38-6.

Matt Sully and Charlie Tudball came to the crease with the unenviable job of rescuing the innings.

They had added 55 to the total when Tudball was caught at mid-wicket for 26 and replaced by Jay Darrell.

Sully, undeterred by his partner’s departure, managed to find some rare timing as he launched three 6s onto the pavilion roof before eventually being trapped in front for a splendid score of 56.

Darrell struck two 6s of his own, and was 26 not out when the last Minehead wicket fell, leaving them 166 all out, a score that looked very unlikely at 38-6.

In reply, Chard lost the early wicket of Johnson, for 11, when he was cleverly caught and bowled by Ellis Taylor (1-23).

But the arrival of rain meant that the players had to grab their cagoules and leave the field with the Chard score on 43.

Nearly two-and-a-half hours had passed by the time the umpires deemed the playing surface to be playable again, and the Duckworth/Lewis total had been reduced to 86 to win, from a further 11 overs.

Minehead managed to claim a run-out and two further wickets off the bowling of Ian Buchanan (2-7) but with such a small target Chard crossed the line with more than three overs to spare.

In doing so they hoisted themselves off the bottom of the table, their place taken by Minehead.

Minehead host mid-table Wembdon this Saturday, knowing they need to improve dramatically if they are to avoid a relegation scrap come the end of the season.

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Shrubbery Hotel Somerset League
Division 3
Minehead 2nds 197 all out v Broadway & Horton 74-3

MINEHEAD 2nd XI’s game with Broadway & Horton was in the balance when persistent rain ended proceedings.

Minehead openers Dan Godfrey (38) and Braden Taylor (59) laid the perfect platform for their team.

But only Jason Abbott (23) and Craig Sully (26) could add any meaningful contributions, as they slipped from 160-4 to 197 all out.

The visitors were on 74-3 (Darren Sherring 1-33, Gav Paviour 2-16) as the rain fell, and the points were shared.

Minehead lie fourth in Division 3, and travel to local rivals Kilve on Saturday.

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West Somerset League
Division 2
Churchinford 153-8 beat Minehead A 133 by 20 runs

MINEHEAD A XI fell 20 runs short in a low-scoring affair away at Churchinford.

The hosts were asked to bat first, and Minehead’s opening bowlers Rob Vickers (1-26) and Jack Richards (1-25) kept scoring to a minimum.

Churchinford opener Ben Burge (31) laid a decent platform for his middle order but only Mark Gabriel (48no) was able to accelerate the run rate, as Alastair Harrison (4-54), Sean Meade (0-35) and Henry Murrell (1-1) ensured the home side finished on a modest 153-8 from 40 overs.

In reply, the in-form opening partnership of Harrison (38) and Adrian Priddle (47) reached 70 without loss.

But Harrison’s dismissal led to an almighty collapse, with Ian Goodrum (10) the only other batsman to reach double figures, as Minehead were 133 all out off 37.4 overs.

On Saturday Minehead face a third tough away game in succession, at West Monkton.