West of England Somerset Division

Wembdon 142-5 beat North Petherton 141 by 5 wkts

WEMBDON got their season off to a winning start as Jack Lowe guided his side to a five-wicket victory over neighbours North Petherton.

North Petherton elected to bat first and Wembdon had to be patient for the first wicket with a fiery opening spell from Annison going unrewarded.

Eventually, the persistent Brockwell had North Petherton captain Bowditch caught for 12 at 27-1.

Brockwell also claimed another two quick wickets as Trevarthan and Trotman departed, Pethy losing three wickets for 15 runs. Opener Lewis Knight remained at the crease where he was joined by Paul Short.

Knight reached 40 but the introduction of Mike Watts saw his downfall and Max Sellick then clean bowled Ben Meek, leaving Pethy on 81-5.

Short and Western added 37 runs before spinners Dan Bingham and Tom Lott were introduced.

Both bowlers were soon among the wickets, as Bingham removing Short (12) and Lott dismissing Western (27).

Bingham took another two to finish with 3-16.

Annison found the edge of Briffett's bat and North Petherton were 141 all out after 37 overs.

Brockwell took 3-22 from his seven overs.

In reply, Wembdon had seven overs prior to tea and a hostile opening spell from Meek tested the Wembdon batters.

Lott landed an early boundary but caught not long after with the score on 11.

Bingham and Sam Puddy moved the score to 28-1 at tea and added another 10 before Meek bowled Bingham (17).

Warne then bowled Puddy for a solid 35 including 6 boundaries.

Brockwell kept going well and he and Jack Lowe thwarted any hopes Pethy had of a middle order collapse.

They added 38 for the fourth wicket moving Wembdon past 100. Brockwell then dispatched Trotman over the ropes for 6 only to be caught the following ball at mid-wicket for 25.

Watts came and went in a hurry, falling to Short.

Lowe and Sellick helped Wembdon reach their target in the 37th over, Lowe playing an excellent innings finishing 38no from 53 balls.

Wembdon travel to Chard next Saturday, with North Petherton hosting Taunton Deane 2nds.

Match Sponsors: E18hteen Gin and Wembdon Crickets.