West of England Premier League
Covid Group C
Minehead 209-3 beat Wembdon 206-7 by 7 wkts

DAN Bowditch was to the fore when Minehead beat Wembdon to go joint top of the table on Saturday, writes Richard Walsh.

After the visitors won the toss and elected to bat first they scored 206-7 from their 40 overs, with Ellis Taylor claiming 2-29 and Jack Richards 2-43.

Bowditch, coming on second change, bowled eight overs for 39 runs, claimed a wicket and took a catch to remove Wembdon opener Sam Puddy (52).

Bowditch then buckled on his pads and after losing fellow opener Braden Taylor cheaply, he shared a second wicket partnership of 76 with Robbie Garwood (17).

He was then added 55 for the third wicket with skipper Alastair Harrison (29).

Minehead wicketkeeper Archie Marsh came in to join Bowditch with the total on 135, and the pair remained out in the middle to see the hosts home with six overs to spare.

Bowditch ended unbeaten on 101, which included 16 fours, while Marsh made 47*, with six fours and a six.

Since joining the club as a 13-year-old, Bowditch has played up through the ranks and this is his second century for the 1st XI.

Afterwards he said: “It's always a great feeling to get a century, and this was my second for the 1st XI.

"We have got a pretty young side at the moment and we are playing well and it's great that we are top of the table.”

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THERE was a strong family flavour when Minehead 3rd XI entertained West Somerset League opponents Wiveliscombe 2nds earlier this month.

You had to feel sorry for the scorer, because included in the Minehead team were four father and son pairings, in addition to which two of the other players had family members playing in other sides.

The four dads and lads were: Paul and Ryan Jones, Ian (captain) and Lewis Goodrum, Rob and Jonah Hopkins (wicketkeeper), and Adrian and Fin Priddle.

In addition to the family pairings, Minehead 3rds fielded Darren Richards (whose son Jack plays in the first team) and Rio Howard, the son of 2nd XI skipper Greg.

Minehead president Stuart Tudball said: “It’s great that we have so many family groups playing at the club, and what is even more interesting is that several of their grandfathers also played for Minehead!”

Out on the pitch Wiveliscombe batted first and posted 283-8 from their 40 overs, of which Matt Redwood made 100, while Jonah Hopkins claimed 4-75 and Rio Howard 3-40.

In reply Minehead were all out for 110 in 38 overs, Darren Richards top scoring with 38 and Ryan Jones making 17.