MINEHEAD 2nd XI gained a convincing nine-wicket home victory over struggling Wiveliscombe in Division Three of the Somerset Cricket League.

It enabled Minehead to move up to fourth in the table while Wiveliscombe are bottom after winning only one of their games this season.

Wiveliscombe batted first after winning the toss and opener Matthew Redwood looked in good shape with a knock of 38. Elliott Add Darke also scored 23 as Wiveliscombe laboured to 151-9 in their 40 overs. Ananthapadmanabhan Rajan took 3-29 and Jithin Rajan 3-22.

Minehead hit off the runs in 21 overs with Oil Ahern scoring 85 not out and Gary Bennett an unbeaten 32 while Charlie Payne made 31.

Taunton Indian continue to top the table after beating Spaxton by 133 runs to record their sixth win in seven matches. They have a 20 point lead over second-placed South Petherton, both sides having played the same number of matches.

Minehead 3rd XI suffered a 55-run loss away to bottom side Ashbrittle 2nd XI in Division Three of the West Somerset League. Batting first, Ashbrittle scored 361-5 in their 40 overs with opener Steve Priscott scoring 65, with 12 fours and a six. Chris Hill made 67, Peter Woodberry 41 and Rob Popplestone 30. Connor Paterson took 2-46.

Openers Eldhose Baby (44) and Brian Penny (21) shared in an opening stand of 33 for Minehead, while Gifto Varghese Pulikkottil scored 40 and Paterson made 43 as Minehead were bowled out for 206 with four overs still remaining.

Priscott was the man of the match, taking 4-45 while Charles Cooper took 3-28.

Meanwhile, Wiveliscombe face a tough home game at Saturday, June 28, when they play the leaders Taunton Indian while Minehead 3rd XI are away to Street who are lying sixth in the table.