IN the Premier Division of the Somerset Cricket League, Minehead suffered a disappointing four wicket home defeat at the hands of promotion hopefuls Chard on Saturday.

Home skipper Dan Bowditch won the toss and elected to have a bat, a decision that looked a good one as openers Andrew Stevens (24) and Oliver Groves (24) got off to a steady start on a difficult pitch against some steady bowling.

The opening pair had taken the score past 50 before both fell in quick succession but Josh Hurley (32) and Ellis Taylor (12) and Marc Girling (21) watchfully carried on the good start.

Girling and Bowditch, who made 24, shared a partnership of 40 but found boundaries hard to come by against the spin of Josh Short and Reid Maudsley who claimed two for 20.

Both were eventually out looking to up the run rate as opening bowler Rob Foy returned with some classy death bowling to end with the impressive figures of four for 31.

He also accounted for Renjeesh Krishnan after a towering 6 and the innings somewhat petered out when George Wilkes took the last two wickets to end with three for 52 as Minehead were all out for 181 in the 44th over.

The Pirates would have to bowl well to have a chance of restricting their counterparts to less and got off to the perfect start when Alfie Rucklidge with one for 25 had dangerous opener Maudsley caught and bowled for just 4.

Scott (18) and Evans steadied the innings however and they had taken the score past 60 before the former was well caught in the gully off the bowling of Groves. The same bowler had Cleal (8) caught at square leg as he settled int an impressive 7 over spell of two for 26 to wrestle his side back into the game.

When Evans was brilliantly run out by Josh Hurley for 44 the game was wide open as spinners Bowditch) and Jack Richards (two for 26) looked to turn the screw.

Any hopes of a dramatic finish were extinguished however as visiting captain Short (28*) and wicketkeeper Warren (31*) watchfully saw off any threat as they trundled towards the winning score – eventually getting over the line in the 41st over with 4 wickets in hand.

Minehead still sit fifth of nine, in the SCL Premier Division and will be looking to push towards the top three in the last third of the season.

Looking forward to the upcoming fixtures, all three of Minehead Cricket Club’s senior teams will be in action on Saturday July 26.

Minehead’s first XI will be travelling to Bridgwater Cricket Club, with both teams looking to get back to winning ways after suffering defeat in their most recent matches.

It will be a tough match for Minehead though, as Bridgwater sit in third place of the SCL Premier Division, and having only lost twice throughout the whole season so far.

The second XI will be looking to strengthen their hopes of a top three finish as they play at home against Cheddar, who currently occupy third in the SCL Third Division.

The third XI will also playing at home as they host Cannington, who are currently third in Division Three of the West Somerset Cricket League.