Minehead Second XI made the trip to South Somerset to play against their Chard counterparts in Division Three of the Somerset Cricket League, where at the end of a close game they ended up losing out by 22 runs.

Chard won the toss and after choosing to bat opening bowler Rob Spiers made an early breakthrough for the visitors when he had Dan Parsons caught by ‘keeper Jonah Hopkins for 2.

Danny Cleal and Brian Thomas then dominated proceedings for the home side until the former was run out by Adithyan Rajan for 48.

Gary Bennett then had Thomas caught by Hopkins after which Chris Scott made 31 and Richard Scott 27 before Chard were bowled out for 212 in 35.2 overs.

Pick of the Minehead attack were Bennett who ended with 4 for 17 off 4.2 overs and Spiers who took 3 for 33 from 8 overs three of which were maidens, while ‘keeper Hopkins claimed three catches.

When Minehead replied they lost two early wickets before opener Hopkins was joined by Bennett who together shared a third wicket partnership that kept the visitors well in contention.

Hopkins went onto make 76, his best for the Seconds this season, which included nine 4s and two 6s, while Bennett hit 57 with six 4s and two 6s. However once the third wicket partnership was broken only Gifto Pulikkottil with 20 reached double figures and Minehead were eventually all out for 190 in 33.4 overs.

Chris Scott with 4 for 11 and Jon Dalwood who took 3 for 8 were the pick of the Chard bowlers.

This result sees Minehead in fourth place in the table with 254 points from their 11 matches.

This coming weekend Minehead Seconds are at home to Cheddar who are second in the league table.