AN 18-ball 50 from Darren Sherring wasn’t enough to rescue Minehead II as they suffered defeat by 20 runs away to Wells on Saturday, slipping from top to third in Division Three as a result.

Batting first, the hosts lost an early wicket but number three J Moore took a liking to the Minehead attack and struck a well-made 103.

He and O Smart (53) took their team to a respectable 233-6 from their 45 overs, Jack Sully (2-42) and Charlie Tudball (1-39) the pick of the bowlers.

In reply, Minehead lost both openers early on, but Jason Abbott (34) steadied the run chase with assistance from Braden Taylor (20) and Gregg Howard (19).

Boundaries were hard to come by, however, and they soon found themselves behind the required run rate until Gav Paviour (27no) added much-needed impetus to the innings with a couple of lusty blows.

Sherring joined his skipper and wasted no time in clearing the ropes, doing so five times on his way to 53 before falling with Minehead just 25 short of the target.

The hosts then wrapped up the innings with two further wickets to gain full points from the match.

Minehead II host league leaders Broadway and Horton tomorrow looking for a return to winning ways.