MINEHEAD bounced back to winning form when they beat visitors North Petherton by three wickets in the Premier Division in the Somerset Cricket League last Saturday.

Petherton won the toss and elected to bat first on a good looking wicket, which appeared the right decision as he and Williams ticked along at 4.5 an over without any alarm bells. A change of bowling proved the catalyst for the home side when Harry Tudball (1-37) provided the breakthrough, Williams chipping to mid-wicket for 25.

Opening bowler Gary Bennett bowled well with little luck until a stunning one-handed catch from Oliver Groves at midwicket saw the back of L Gregory for just three, Bennett finishing with 1-35 from his nine overs. Skipper Lott passed a fine half century and along with T Bennett (21) pushed the score passed 120 before the latter fell to the bowling of Groves.

The spin of Dan Bowditch (4-35) kept it tight at the other end as he removed three batters in quick succession and when Groves had Lott caught at cover for 82 the innings was teetering at 180-7. A late flurry from F Gregory (19) and Chubb (11) helped their side past 200 but Darren Sherring (2-12) bagged the last two wickets as the away side found themselves all out for 204 in under 39 overs.

In reply, Frederick Wilson got The Pirates off to a flying start, striking a six early on as he and Andrew Stevens looked to set a solid platform. Wilson, in particular, looked in fine fettle, scoring 7 fours and 2 sixes in a classy half century before he was out for 54. Josh Hurley continued the fine start and with Stevens took the score past the 100.

When Stevens was out for 32 youngsters Ollie Ahern (24) and Groves (14) supported Hurley who had reached 46 when he was caught and bowled. When Sherring was caught for 16 the home side still needed 10 to win with 5 wickets remaining. Part time bowler L Gregory proceeded to keep the game alive as he dismissed Groves and Bennett but the cool head of captain Bowditch saw his side over the line with three wickets remaining and 7 overs to spare.

Minehead still sit fifth in the SCL Premier Division but are now closer to the teams above them than below. They have a week off this coming Saturday but will be looking to produce a similar performance when they host league leaders Frome on Saturday, August 16th.

Meanwhile Frome, who have a 26-point lead at the top of the Premier Division, play at home to Castle Cary on Saturday, August 9. Frome have won nine of their 12 matches, while Castle Cary are lying sixth, having won five of their 13 games.

Chard, in second place, entertain Taunton St Andrews 2nd XI who are down in seventh spot, having won five fixtures. In other matches in the Premier, Bridgwater 3rd XI are home to Taunton Deane 2nd XI while North Petherton are home to Wedmore.

Fixtures: Bridgwater 3rd XI v Taunton Deane 2nd XI, Chard v Taunton St Andrews 2nd XI, Frome v Castle Cary, North Petherton v Wedmore.

Minehead 2nd XI are home to North Curry in Division Two of the Somerset League while Minehead 3rd XI play at Carhampton in the third division of the West Somerset League.