MINEHEAD A team produced another outstanding performance this weekend, when they claimed a 249 run victory on the road at Buckland St Mary, writes Richard Walsh.

After losing the toss and being asked to bat first, Minehead responded in perfect fashion with an aggressive and composed batting display from top to bottom.

Gifto Varghese Pulikkottil got the innings underway with a steady 31, while Oli Ahern added an excellent 49 from 44 balls, striking five fours and three sixes to put the pressure firmly onto the bowlers.

Adithyan Rajan anchored the middle overs superbly with an unbeaten 47 from just 35 deliveries, keeping the innings moving at a strong rate. Skipper Steve Archer then chipped in with a quickfire 10 before the innings burst into life thanks to a destructive knock from Henry Murrell, who hammered 66 from only 30 balls, clearing the ropes six times in a brutal display of hitting.

The late-order fireworks continued as Renjeesh Krishnan smashed 45 from just 22 balls at over a run-a-ball double strike rate, while Althaf Navas contributed a valuable 30. Useful runs from Sreejith Anilkumar and Josh Dyer helped Minehead power to an imposing 302 all out.

Defending the huge total, Minehead’s bowlers quickly took control. Sreejith Anilkumar took important early wickets, while Renjeesh Krishnan tore through the middle order with a superb spell that removed several key batters.

Ben Cobb was also outstanding with the ball, picking up crucial wickets including Stephen Every and Mark J Long, while Josh Dyer added another breakthrough as Minehead steadily tightened their grip on the game.

Sharp catching, energetic fielding, and disciplined bowling ensured the Minehead target was never seriously threatened and they remained in control throughout to secure another convincing victory.