ILMINSTER Bears Under-15s enjoyed a seven-wicket win against their Taunton Deane Pumas counterparts at The Convent Field on Sunday.

Having lost the toss and been asked to bowl first, Lewis Brookes (2-12 off four) reduced the hosts to 34-2 early on.

Home captain Dhanush Reddyvari proved harder to dislodge as he added 35 with M. Chanter, who was next to go when he was run out for 21.

Riley Millett (1-12 off two) and Ryan Knibbs (1-15 off three) then took wickets for Ilminster before Reddyvari retired having reached his 50 as the Deane posted 113-5 from their 20 overs.

Ilminster used nine bowlers in all and they each played their part, with Lachlan Rice conceding just five from his two overs.

Ilminster started brilliantly with the bat as Brookes (51) and Sammi Khan (53) added 87 for the first wicket, both retiring after reaching half-centuries.

Knibbs, Millett and Hugh Moore fell cheaply but Rice joined Josh Lamb to see Ilminster to victory with 6.2 overs to spare.

It was Ilminster’s second win of the season and they sit second bottom in the Under-15s 11s East division with two matches to play.

This Sunday sees the reverse fixture against Taunton Deane Pumas, this time being held at Ilminster.