Local rivals clash in WEPL

1:21pm Thursday 15th May 2008

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MINEHEAD entertain Taunton this Saturday in a battle of the only sides to have won their two opening West of England League Bristol and Somerset Division matches.

And, with just one side promoted at the end of the season, defeat would be a major blow, even at this early stage of the season.

Minehead cruised to their second victory last Saturday, defeating Timsbury by five wickets with more than 18 overs to spare.

Captain Andrew Stevens has been delighted with their early season form and is confident they can carry that into Saturday's big game. It will be Minehead's first at home and sees prolific all-rounder Gary Bennett face his former side, whose line-up is likely to include Somerset wicketkeeper Carl Gazzard, former county paceman Matt Bulbeck and MCC youngster Jack Cooper.

Stevens said: "We couldn't have had much of a better start - we've played well and got two wins on the board.

"The boys are doing really well and there's a great atmosphere in the side.

"We need to keep that going because the game on Saturday is huge - even at this early stage.

"We know how strong they are and it's great to be able to play against players of their quality.

"But the boys are really looking forward to it - particularly Gary (Bennett) and I would back our chances after winning the first two games.

"I think it's going to be a close game ether way, I just hope the weather holds out."

Stevens is able to name an unchanged side which is: Andrew Stevens (capt), Tom Wright, Gary Bennett, Shaun Lee, Simon Penny, Andrew Woodward, Adam Jones, Andy Dyer, James Keays, Brian Penny, Peter Deary.

MINEHEAD CC will be holding a disco at the club after the game all are welcome to attend.