MINEHEAD hosted table toppers Taunton Deane 2nd XI on Saturday, looking to avenge a five-wicket defeat away earlier in the season in the Premier Division of the Somerset Cricket League.

Deane won the toss and chose to bowl first in dry conditions and the left-arm spin of Chilcott struck early by removing Ian Buchanan without scoring. The Pirates recovered through Andrew Stevens and Josh Hurley, who took the score past 50, but scoring proved to be difficult as the Deane bowlers held a tight line.

The pair had taken the score to 72 before Hurley was castled by a low-keeping ball for 35, bringing captain Dan Bowditch to the crease. He and Stevens ensured wickets remained in hand for a late innings burst, Bowditch impressively scoring at above a run-a-ball as he was looking like making yet another half-century this season, but was adjudged LBW for 48 with the score on 130.

Wickets fell regularly following Bowditch’s dismissal, as Chris James was bowled for 9, Braden Taylor without scoring, and Stevens, who had stood firm for 30 overs, was caught for 42. Ellis Taylor produced some fireworks late on, crashing 38 quick runs including a thumping maximum over the off-side, but the Deane bowlers were relentless, eventually bowling Minehead out on the last ball of the innings for 214, as cameos from Ollie Groves (11), Harry Tudball (10) and Connor Paterson (6) allowed Minehead to post a reasonable score in difficult conditions.

Minehead got off to a fortunate start as Bowditch tipped a return ball from his bowling onto the stumps at the non-strikers end, to see Dunne run out for 2, and Deane 16-1.

Skipper Josh Cobb was off to a flyer, hammering boundaries all around the wicket to put a heavy dent into the run chase early. His wicket was a crucial one when he holed out to Groves at deep mid-wicket off Bowditch, for 42 off 28 balls.

Bowditch struck twice in quick succession, removing Jacques for no score, and Blackwell for two, smartly held by Stevens and James respectively – making the score 70-4.

Number 3 Viljoen saw the majority of the wickets fall at the other end, but finally found a reliable ally in Alex Chaffey, who batted smartly alongside the left-hander to take the score past 100.

The introduction of Ellis Taylor’s off-spin saw the back of Chaffey with the score on 131, and at this point, the game was fully in the balance. Deane edged away at their target and despite Minehead continuing to take wickets thanks to Ollie Groves and Connor Paterson – Deane eventually got home in the 36th over for the loss of 8 wickets, Viljoen finishing on a chanceless 77* from 76 balls, the difference between the sides.

Minehead took confidence from the defeat, they pushed the league leaders all the way in a relatively low scoring affair, and will look to bounce back at Castle Cary this coming weekend.

Following this defeat the Pirates have dropped to 6th. Minehead are slightly better than mid-table at the moment, 59 points clear from the dreaded relegation places, yet only 40 points from a promotion place. All to play for in the remaining 4 fixtures of the season. Four losses would put the Pirates in deep trouble, but four wins could produce a late season push towards the top of the table.