THE Minehead A team were back in league action on a scorching hot afternoon as the leaders travelled to Ashbrittle looking to get back to winning ways in Division Three of the West Somerset League after their cup defeat at Stogumber.

Captain Steve Archer won the toss and elected to bowl first, sending the home side into bat. Ashbrittle’s Rob Hill produced an outstanding innings, striking a superb 136, with good support from the batters around him.

On a hot afternoon and with conditions proving difficult for the Pirates, Ashbrittle posted an imposing 250 runs, leaving Minehead requiring 251 for victory.

Facing a substantial total the Pirates reply didn’t get off to the easiest of starts, but Anan Rajan soon fired the cannons with a brilliant 57 from just 41 deliveries, including an incredible 7 sixes, giving the Pirates the momentum they desperately needed.

Young Pirate Fin Penny continued to show his growing importance to the side, striking a valuable 28 from 31 balls, including 7 boundaries, to keep Minehead firmly in the hunt.

With the required total still some distance away, captain Steve Archer stepped up to the crease and played a crucial innings of 46 from 41 deliveries, striking 5 fours and 2 sixes.

The Pirate ship continued sailing towards its target as Aadi Rajan smashed an excellent 41 from just 30 balls, including 6 fours and 2 sixes, setting up a thrilling finish.

With wickets falling and the pressure mounting, Gary Archer making his return to the Pirates after several years rolled back the years and held his nerve superbly, finishing unbeaten on 29, alongside cabin boy Josh Dyer, who finished 6 not out, as the Pirates completed a remarkable chase to finish on 253!

Next up for the Pirates A XI is a home game against Buckland St Mary and Bishopswood on Saturday, July 18.