MINEHEAD lst XI’s last game of the season in the Premier Division of the Somerset Cricket League fell victim to the weather as they managed only 19 overs in a stalemate with Taunton St. Andrews 2nds. With rain on the horizon, Saint’s captain won the toss and decided to have a bowl in a hunt for quick bonus points, but young pair Jonah Hopkins and Oliver Groves played watchfully against the new ball. Once in, Hopkins became the aggressor as he powered a string of boundaries through the offside and towering six over mid-wicket but the introduction of spin in the form of Williams-Thomas induced a thin edge as he fell for a well-made 37 off as many balls. Josh Hurley joined Groves as they looked to replicate their fine partnership from the week before, but it was not to be as Groves was adjudged LBW for 6 and Ollie Ahern followed him shortly afterwards in the same manner to give Williams -Thomas his third wicket. New batter Ellis Taylor looked in fine fettle, crunching a couple of boundaries through the covers as he looked to counter-attack after a slow period but his short innings came to an end when he was caught at mid-off for 8. The rain was now constant and after Chris James pulled his first ball for 4, the players were off, and the covers were on. After a couple hours of rain watching, the umpires decided enough was enough and the players shook hands with Hurley and James 14 and 4 not out respectively. Minehead ended the season in fifth position in the Premier Division after a frustratingly inconsistent season but will look to build over the winter and go again next season. Some highlights for The Pirates include an outstanding season for Josh Hurley as he racked up 490 runs at an average of nearly 45 in his first full season for several years. That was enough to finish sixth in the league run scorers table. Captain Dan Bowditch managed 25 wickets for the season, joint 2nd in the league. Hurley and Oliver Groves both recorded their first centuries for the 1st XI and Alfie Rucklidge his first five wicket haul when he took 6-34 against North Petherton. The best win of the season came away at Wedmore when Darren Sherring produced an unbelievable innings of 98 off 43 balls as he and Hurley put on 140 for the 7th wicket to see their side home from a seemingly impossible position. Minehead CC would like to thank their main sponsor Jewson Minehead for their continued support across the 2025 season. Also, all the volunteers, supporters and club members that keep the club afloat year in year out. Without them MCC would not exist, so thank you. The 1st XI would like to extend a special thank you to groundsman Andrew Stevens, who’s countless voluntary hours go largely unnoticed by most, but ensure they can play each week on the finest of facilities with the minimum of fuss.

*Frome proved the outstanding side in the Premier Division, winning 12 of their 16 matches and finishing 35 points clear of runners-up Chard, who were themselves 18 points ahead of third-placed Bridgwater 3nd XI.

At the other end of the table, Taunton St Andrews 2nd XI and Wedmore occupied the two bottom places and are relegated.