MINEHEAD A XI got their season off to a flying start when they made the short trip to play against Fitzhead Seconds in the West Somerset Cricket League’s third division last Saturday - and came away with a resounding ten-wicket victory.

Captain Steve Archer chose to field and his bowlers backed him up with a brilliant performance as they shot out their hosts for 71. Anan Rajan was the pick of the bowlers ending with the impressive figures of 3 wicket for 2 runs from five overs, two of which were maidens. In addition there were two wickets each for Sreejith Anilkumar and Renjeesh Krishnan, and one apiece for Ben Cobb and Harry Swann. George Furber top scored for the hosts with 29.

The Minehead reply set off at pace with bothbatters finding the boundary regularly. They dominated proceedings and reached their target in only 7.4 overs as Sam Cobb, with an unbeaten 41 which included seven 4s and one 6, and Renjeesh hit 29 not out with four 4s and two 6s to see the visitors to 73 without loss.

After well supported indoor training sessions for both junior and seniors over the last few months, the 2026 cricket season gets underway for the other teams at Minehead Cricket Club this coming weekend, starting on Friday evening when the Under 13s travel to face Taunton St Andrews.

On Saturday Minehead First XI, under the continuing captaincy of Dan Bowditch, aare in action against North Petherton away in the Premier Division of the Somerset Cricket League.

Ahead of the fixture Dan said: “We are all looking forward to finally getting out on the pitch this Saturday (weather permitting) after a disappointing couple of cancelled friendlies.

“This year we have got a pretty similar squad to recent seasons, a mixture of youth and experience, although the young lads are another year older, more experienced and hopefully another year better. Everyone’s been training well over the last few weeks so are raring to get out there. We’ll be looking to finish in the top half again this year, if not pushing for a top couple position if we can string a few results together,” Dan added: “We always have good, competitive games against North Petherton, so I’m sure this one will be no different.”

Minehead Second XI open their account with an away match against Wiveliscombe at the War Memorial Ground in Division Three of the Somerset Cricket League.

Minehead A XI will be hoping to maintain their winning start to the season on Saturday when they make the short trip along the A39 to play Carhampton in Division Three of the WSCL.

Sunday morning sees the two other MCC junior sides in action. The Under15s make the longish journey to play against their Butleigh CC counterparts, while the Under 11s play their opening match of the season away against Taunton village side Trull CC.

The following weekend, May 9, both Minehead First and A XI are at home, the Firsts entertain Lympsham and Belvederes while the A XI host Stoodleigh. The previous evening the Under 13s entertain Taunton Deane, so there is plenty of cricket to look forward to in the coming weeks.

The bar is always open on match days and a warm welcome is afforded to everyone at Minehead Cricket Club.