MINEHEAD were left unhappy by umpiring decisions and Bagborough's batsmen as they went down with four balls to go in a game which saw over 450 runs scored.

Batting first, they started slowly as they came to terms with the lack of pace in the wicket but partnerships of 73 between Dave Lethaby (62) and Stuart Tudball (39) and then 79 between Dave Lethaby and Graham Mair (73) enabled them to score 120 by the end of the 30th over.

Although they lost six wickets at the end of the innings going for quick runs, they managed to add a further 107 runs to close on 227-9.

Skipper M Biccard was the pick of Bagborough's bowlers as he bowled at the end of the innings and finished with 5-32.

In reply R Evans and N Smith put on 79 runs for the first wicket, although with the score on 36 Smith, with just 22 at the time, played the ball firmly to A Murrell at mid-off who hit the wicket with a direct throw, leaving the batsman well short of his ground, only to have the appeal turned down.

This decision spurred on Smith who went on to score his maiden century before he was caught at the wicket by A Jones for 109.

An almost identical run out incident occurred in the 25th over but Bagborough managed to get to 147 in the 34th over before they lost their second wicket.

As Minehead increased the pressure and quickly removed three more wickets, L Smith then quite clearly gave a return catch to the bowler and whilst awaiting the decision found that both umpires decided they were unable to give the answer in the affirmative.

Although Minehead took two more wickets, Smith took advantage of his good fortune and scored 15 to take Bagborough to victory.

This win should enable Bagborough to avoid relegation and leave Minehead wondering when their luck will change, especially after posting a score of over 200 for the opposition to chase.

Minehead: 227-9 (G Mair 73, D Lethaby 62, S Tudball 39, M Biccard 5-32, L Smith 2-66).

Bagborough: 228-7 (N Smith 109, D Hurley 3-58).

Points: Bagborough 25 Minehead 9.