THERE were first round wins for Bridgwater and Taunton on a delightful evening for cup cricket on Monday, May 23 as the two clubs, whose first XIs both play in Premier One of the WEPL structure, came through against Somerset League opposition in the form Fitzhead from Division Four and Trull from Division Five respectively, writes competition secretary David Derrick.

Both games were played a week later than planned due to weather issues, but the sun shone and allowed play with Bridgwater restricting Fitzhead to 92-8 in their 20 overs before winning, but not before losing six wickets in chasing down the total.

Taunton’s progress was more serene as Sam Puddy and Charles Clist got their side to the 120 required to win with no loss after Trull had posted 119 all out.

This all means that Bridgwater will host Taunton St Andrews A and Staplegrove A will host Taunton in the Cup quarter finals with both games set to be played on Tuesday, May 31.

One quarter final was also played on Monday, May 23 and saw North Petherton – winners in 2011 – put in a commanding performance to beat Taunton Deane A – runners up in 2015 – by 66 runs as they defended 159-6 to the tune of 93 all out.

In the first ever match in the Davies – Bishop Trophy Watchet won the first of three mini league matches by chasing down Middlezoy’s 107 with a couple of overs to spare.

The second match in this three game series leading to a final at Staplegrove CC on Monday 13th June is also on Tuesday, May 31.

Other Competition details will be resolved soonest after Taunton Deane B has hosted Chard in a First Round match that will be played for a second time after it was washed out on the evening of Friday, May 20 in the second innings – again Tuesday, May 31 is the date for this match.