MINEHEAD got their first Baker Cup 20 over competition off to a winning start when they claimed victory by a single wicket in a thrilling encounter away to West Somerset League champions Ashbrittle.

Minehead skipper Chris James put the opposition into bat first but the pairing of Williams and Embleton got their side off to a flying start, finding the boundary with ease against the visitors’ young pace attack.

The opening partnership was worth 99 when the introduction of the slower bowlers turned the tide as Sherring accounted for Williams for 53, which led to a slowing down of the run rate through the middle overs.

Despite some tight death bowling from Anan Rajan (3-12), M White (34*) struck some lusty blows towards the back end of the innings to get his side up to a very competitive total of 182-6 from their allotted overs.

Indian pair Sreevishnu (16) and Renjeesh (20) got the Pirates off to a flyer, striking three towering sixes in the opening overs between them but both fell with the score on 43.

Sherring and James picked up the mantle and with some classy stroke play and good running, compiled an impressive 100 partnership to put their side within 20 runs of victory with four overs remaining.

The home side had other plans, however, as C White (3-44) prized out both batters and when Williams clean bowled Buchanan in the fading light, Minehead still needed 6 off the last over.

Young spinner O White (2-42) stepped up, clean bowling both Rucklidge and Richards in successive balls but last man Anan Rajan calmly strolled to the crease and proceeded to launch the penultimate ball of the innings over mid-wicket for 4, handing his side victory by one wicket with a ball to spare.