CUTCOMBE got their 2026 season in Division Two of the West Somerset Cricket League off to a winning start when they beat their visitors Roadwater by five wickets - and collected 35 points.

After being asked to bat first Roadwater lost two early wickets before opener Kieren Roberts and Vishnu Kombath came together and shared a vital partnership.

The pair looked to be going well before Ben Pursey accounted for Kombat for 36 and Mark Matravers had Roberts caught by Ned Binding for 59, after which there was little further resistance as Roadwater were bowled out for 155 in 38.3 overs.

Pick of the home attack was James Gregory who ended with 3 for 39 from his 8 overs, one of which was a maiden while there were two wickets apiece for Ben Pursey and Mark Matravers.

When the home team replied they lost Mike Kidner leg before to Simon Apsey for 6 before Matravers was joined by Ned Binding, who made 10. Matravers was then joined by Ben Pursey who shared what turned out to be the match turning partnership that was ended when Matravers was run out for 37.

Pursey remained at the wicket and added valuable runs with Robin Howe who made 20 and Lennon Howe who was not out 19 by the time Cutcombe had reached their target in the 27th over.

Ben Pursey, the Cutcombe captain, remained unbeaten on 37 which along with his two wickets gave him a great start to the season.

Cutcombe make the short journey down the valley to play against Winsford this coming Saturday 16th May in the WSCL. Although it is early days, Cutcombe are up to fourth in the table.

Sadly Winsford’s scheduled game on Saturday against Churchinford was not played because the opposition conceded, meaning they were awarded 35 points.