West of England Premier League
Somerset Division
Chard 177 beat Minehead 99 by 78 runs

CHARD continued their 100 per cent start to the league season as they picked up their first ever win at Minehead’s Luttrell Way home.

The visitors batted first upon winning the toss and made a steady start through openers Reid Mawdsley and Jon Dalwood, though Dalwood had to retire hurt on 27 after a back spasm.

Mawdsley’s departure for 32 sparked a collapse as Chard fell from 96-1 to 133-9, Braden Taylor causing much of the damage with 5-26 from 10 overs of accurate in-swing.

Dalwood returned to the crease to partner the in-form Chris Scott, who made 37 before he was last man out with the score on 177, Dalwood ending unbeaten on 41.

Chard made a super start with the ball as Akhona Mbanga trapped dangerman Ian Buchanan in front without scoring, and soon it was 7-3 as Richard Scott got in on the act.

Both opening bowlers finished with identical figures - eight overs, one maiden, 29 runs, three wickets - as Minehead slipped to 43-6 to put the result almost beyond doubt.

Mawdsley’s off-spin claimed 2-9 to quicken the hosts’ demise as, despite an entertaining 35 from Darren Sherring, Minehead were bowled out for 99 midway through the 27th over.

This weekend, Chard host Wellington (12.30pm start); Chris Scott is away on holiday, while Dalwood is doubtful through injury.

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LAST Friday, Chard were narrowly beaten in the gloom at Taunton Deane 2nds in the SCB Major Cup.

The Deane batted first after a delayed start and posted 154-6, with Chris Scott (2-25 from four) the pick of the Chard attack.

Chard replied valiantly but ended just four runs short in the darkening conditions, the visitors finishing on 150-2.

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HARVEY Dening and Akhona Mbanga both made runs as Chard’s Sunday XI won by 60 runs at West Monkton.

Dening hit eight fours and five sixes in his 86 before he was out hit wicket, while Mbanga’s 64 included seven fours and three maximums.

Those knocks helped Chard to 281-9 but West Monkton made a strong start to the chase, with Stuart Thompson (79) and Dan Adams (69) scooting along nicely.

There was little to follow once they were dismissed, however, as Joe Draper took 4-26 to run through the middle over before Dening added two wickets to his earlier runs as the hosts finished their 40 overs on 221-8.

The Sunday side, who play in Division 3 of the Taunton & District Sunday League, are back in action this weekend with a trip to Taunton in store.