MINEHEAD were comfortably second best again when they travelled to play against Bridgwater Thirds in the Somerset Cricket League Premier Division on Saturday afternoon, losing by 85 runs.

Home captain Rossiter won the toss and bowled first but Minehead had the first triumph when Alfie Rucklidge (4-54) picked up the wicket of Coombes in the first over of the game for zero.

When Wickens departed for just 4 with the score on 35-2, the bowling side had their sights set on some more quick wickets, but Hill and Vickery weathered the storm.

Hill fell for a well-made 44 but Vickery was joined by Rossiter who wasted no time in taking the attack to the visitors change bowlers. Both batsmen passed 50 before Vickery fell for a fine 67 but Rossiter carried on his merry way to bring up a fine century, finally being removed for 117 from just 77 balls.

Frampton (25) and Watson (32) added some quick late runs to give their side an imposing total of 326-8 from their allotted overs.

The reply got off to a steady start as Wilson and Stevens looked to give their side a platform to build from.

Wilson was first to depart however, chipping Brewer (2-23) into the hands of mid off. This prompted a collapse which saw The Pirates slip to 50-4 inside 15 overs.

Stevens stood firm however as he passed his half century in good time. Dan Bowditch (21), Sherring (17) and Rucklidge (27) all tried to offer support but fell at regular junctures.

Stevens was eventually dismissed, caught at cover for a superb 88, and with him went any hope of an unlikely victory.

Tudball with 19 and an unbeaten 17 from Richards provided some late fireworks in a last wicket partnership of 40 but when the former was clean bowled, Minehead were all out for 241.