MINEHEAD Second XI made the long trip to play against South Petherton in Division Three of the Somerset Cricket League on Saturday afternoon and at the end of a close fought game the visitors ran out the victors by two wickets.

After being put into bat the home openers started well, before both were dismissed by Gary Bennett, Adam Young for 28 and Alex Davey for 11.

Sam Cobb then struck twice to remove Grant Richards for 26 and Joel Harris for 37.

A fifth wicket partnership stemmed the fall of wickets for a while until Oliver Simpson- Barnes was bowled by Freddie Wilson for 32.

Ian Masters, however, remained steadfast and ended unbeaten on 86 as South Petherton completed their 40 over innings on 251 for five.

Bennett ended the innings with two wickets for 28 runs from his eight overs, one of which was a maiden, while young Sam Cobb claimed two for 46 from his six overs with one maiden.

Chasing 252 for victory Minehead needed a solid start, but instead lost their two opening batters, both caught Davey bowled Witcombe, Dan Pawson for nine and Gifto Varghese Pulikkottil for 13.

However Wilson stepped up to the plate and hit 92, sharing a partnership with Charlie Payne who made 24.

Wilson then linked in with ‘keeper Andrew Stevens who remained unbeaten on 52 as Minehead reached their target of 252 in the 38th over for the loss of eight wickets.

Pick of the South Petherton bowlers were Witcombe with two for 55 from eight overs and Simpson-Barnes who ended with two for 57 from seven.

This Saturday, 17th May, Minehead Second XI are at home against Chard Seconds who comfortably beat North Newton away by 124 runs last weekend.