MINEHEAD produced an outstanding performance to chase down 257 and secure a convincing five-wicket away victory over Castle Cary in the Premier Division of the Somerset Cricket League.

After being asked to field, Minehead stuck to their task well as the home side were bowled out for 256 in 43.4 overs. For Cary, Matt Holland top-scored with 70, while Andy Henley made 56.

For Minehead, Dan Bowditch led the way with 2 for 34 from nine overs, removing both openers and helping to keep the scoring under control. Oliver Groves and Anan Rajan each claimed two wickets, while Connor Paterson struck twice late in the innings to wrap up the tail. Harry Tudball also impressed with an economical opening spell that conceded just 28 runs from eight overs.

In reply, Minehead made light work of the chase. The foundations were laid by Ian Buchanan and Andrew Stevens, who scored 63 before the first wicket fell. Buchanan struck an aggressive 47 from only 40 balls, including eight boundaries, while Stevens added 31 from 25 deliveries.

Although Castle Cary briefly fought back Minehead remained firmly in control. Josh Hurley contributed 30 before the innings was taken over by an excellent unbeaten partnership between Chris James and Alfie Rucklidge.

James finished unbeaten on 58 from 50 balls with seven fours and two sixes. Rucklidge provided the perfect support role, blasting an unbeaten 22 from 17 deliveries as Minehead reached 259 for 5 with more than 7 overs to spare.

Castle Cary's bowlers found wickets hard to come by as Minehead maintained a strong scoring rate throughout the innings. Fontaine-Henley was the pick of the attack with 2 for 29, while Dan Lake, Alex Bartlett and Tom King-Brain each claimed a wicket.

Minehead host Shapwick & Polden this weekend, and will be chasing a league double over their rivals.