MINEHEAD travelled to high flying Temple Cloud in the Somerset Division of the West of England League looking for their first win of the 2024 campaign where, under overcast skies lay a soft and slightly damp looking pitch, giving skipper Dan Bowditch no hesitation in choosing to bowl first upon winning the toss.

The home side found themselves 31-3 but recovered to 71-3 before wicketkeeper Oil Ahern smartly run out Raffon to bring the Pirates back into the game. However, the home side’s batting order was deep and from 134-6, Filer and Nolan took the score past 200. Nolan finished 74 not out as Temple Cloud scored 268 from their 50 overs.

Minehead knew they were capable of achieving a total in this region at this ground, having scored 260 in a losing cause here last year.

Sadly, once again this season, the Minehead innings never really got going.

The Pirates limped to the 100 run mark, and a positive was taken deep into the game despite the result, as young Oli Ahern looked comfortable at the crease before running out of partners. Minehead were 111 all out.

Meanwhile, Minehead are home to Shapwick & Polden on Saturday, starting at 12pm. and would welcome any support (bar opens at 1p.m.).