Bulbeck ton leads Taunton to victory (From This is The West Country)

Bulbeck ton leads Taunton to victory

8:40am Wednesday 8th July 2009

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WEPL Premier Two: Taunton 241-8, Ilminster 161.

SKIPPER Matt Bulbeck, once again, led by example as his century and four wickets helped Taunton defeat Ilminster by 80 runs at Gipsy Lane on Saturday.

It helped the side bounce back from defeat away to the same opposition the previous weekend.

Bulbeck won the toss and opted to bat but Somerset ‘keeper-batsman Carl Gazzard was an early casualty, caught behind by ex-county team-mate Sam Spurway off Richard Elswood, to complete a ‘pair’ against Ilminster.

Chris Gange was next to go for 13, but not before putting on 51 with James Bryant, who was the dominant partner, hitting nine fours in his 51 from 68 balls.

However, the major knock was to come from Bulbeck, who has been in great form this season.

He took 90 balls to reach his half century before really finding his fluency and raced to his second 50 in only 24, to bring up a brilliant ton.

After losing Hugh Kelly (17) and Craig Williams (10), he found an able partner in Jon Todd (32).

The pair out on 91 for the sixth wicket and Bulbeck was eventually seventh out for 102, helping the side reach 241-8 from their 50 overs.

The ex-Somerset all-rounder was not finished there and quickly dismissed Ilminster openers Sam Spurway and Johnny Hurford.

Number four Craig Rice stood firm as wickets fell all around him but, other than Gary Larkham (17) and Rayner Blitz (17), received little support as the side were all out for 161 in 47.4 overs. Rice finished 68 not out, while Blubeck completed another fine all-round display with 4-38 from 12 overs.

Taunton are away to bottom-side Trowbridge on Saturday.

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