MINEHEAD slipped back into losing ways again when they were beaten by a youthful Taunton Deane 2nd XI at home in the Premier Division of the Somerset Cricket League.

Visiting skipper Chilcott didn’t think twice when he won the toss and invited Minehead to bat first but it was the hosts who got off to the quicker start with Andrew Stevens and especially Freddie Wilson tucking in to some loose early bowling.

The score had reached 86 by the time Stevens departed, run out for 26, but Wilson carried on his merry way as he passed 50 in quick time. His demise for a well made 86 sparked a stark turnaround in fortunes, however, as Hurley (18), Bowditch (0), Hopkins (0) and Sherring (0) all came and went within 30 runs to leave The Pirates reeling on 162-6.

A strong finish was needed and the ever-reliable Chris James provided it (44*) as he and Ian Buchanan (8) and Alfie Rucklidge (16) pushed the score passed 200 before Jack Richards (8*) smashed the last 2 balls of the innings for 4 to post a score of 234 for 9 from their allotted overs.

In reply, the Deane lost Williams-Pritchard (12) and Viljoen (2) early on, but Jacques stood firm and punished some wayward bowling from the Minehead seamers. He and Pepper (23) progressed the score to 97 before Pepper became Sherring’s (4-38) first wicket of the day, well caught by keeper Hopkins.

The midway drinks break proved crucial for the home side as Sherring had Jacques caught at backward point just after for an impressive 57. Richards then clean bowled danger man Cobb (4) and when Sherring had both J Salt (14) and Chaffey (3) caught behind, Minehead looked to be favourites with the score on 148-7.

Number 6 Blackwell stood firm, however ,as he produced a brilliant counter-attack from seemingly nowhere. He deposited the returning Rucklidge (2-66) over the ropes on 2 occasions before striking an almighty maximum off Tudball (0-47) to take his side to the brink of victory.

A late wicket could have de-railed their progress, but O Salt extinguished any hope as he struck the remaining 15 required in just 8 balls to see his side across the line with 8 balls and 2 wickets to spare, Blackwell finishing 78 not out from just 44 balls in a stunning display of ball striking.

Meanwhile, Minehead will be chasing the season’s double when they play away to Wedmore in the Premier Division on Saturday, July 12.

Minehead were comfortable five-wicket winners when the sides met in West Somerset in mid-May. Wedmore, who whose to bat first, were bowled out for 130with only three for their batters making double figures. Darren Sherring and Braden Taylor both snapped up three wickets.

In replay Minehead took just over 20 overs to knock off the runs with Chris James being 28 not out while Josh Hurley scored 26 and Sherring 25.

Minehead 2nd XI, lying fifth in Division Three, play at home to South Petherton, who are two places above them. Minehead beat Petherton by two wickets away in early May in a match which produced more than 500 runs. Freddie Wilson scored 92 in the game while Andrew Stevens was 51 not out.

Bottom side Wiveliscombe entertain Spaxton in the same division looking for only their second win of the season.