MINEHEAD Cricket Club’s First XI enjoyed another competitive season in the Somerset Cricket League Premier Division, finishing the campaign in the middle of the table after spending much of the season challenging near the top.

The Pirates made an excellent start, sitting second after seven matches, after notching up several impressive victories including a nine-wicket win over Lympsham & Belvedere and a 111-run success against Bridgwater, where captain Dan Bowditch starred with a superb 118.

Ian Buchanan was one of Minehead’s most consistent performers with the bat, registering five half-centuries during the season, while Freddie Wilson produced one of the innings of the campaign with a thrilling 95 against Shapwick & Polden.

Chris James also made a major contribution, including an unbeaten 58 in an impressive five-wicket victory at Castle Cary.

On the bowling side of things, Harry Tudball and Harry Swann were among the leading performers, regularly providing important wickets and economical spells.

Other notable contributions came from Andrew Stevens, Ellis Taylor, Oliver Groves, Anan Rajan and Alfie Rucklidge, highlighting the strength and depth within the squad.

There were inevitably some difficult weeks, but Minehead responded with some excellent results, including ending Shapwick & Polden’s five-match winning run in August.

The season ended frustratingly with the final fixture at Taunton St Andrews cancelled, but there was plenty of encouragement from another strong Premier Division campaign.

With a mixture of experienced players and emerging young talent, the Pirates will head into 2027 with plenty to build on.

Minehead Cricket Club are holding their Annual Dinner on Friday, 9th October, at Minehead and West Somerset Golf Club, starting at 6.30pm for 7pm.

The special guest for the evening is Somerset captain Lewis Gregory and tickets for what is an opportunity to get together with team mates, friends and supporters costing just £24 per person.