MINEHEAD slipped back to third in the Premier Division of the Somerset Cricket League after they lost away to Shapwick & Polden by four wickets yesterday (Sat).

It was a disappointing result for Minehead against a side eighth in the table - but they are still only one point behind second-placed Temple Cloud.

Minehead, who won the toss and decided to bat first, made a poor start, losing openers Ian Buchanan and Gregg Howard cheaply.

They struggled for any momentum until Darren Sherring, coming in at No8, scored 65 not out as Minehead were eventually bowled out for 212. Ben Rudge, Sam Patey, James Haymn and Ben Trotman all took two wickets.

Shapwick's top order batters Dan Rudge (34), Jarrad Cave (55) and Ben Trotman (47) led the successful chase for runs as the home side reached their target with nearly six overs to spare.

Minehead vice-captain Dan Bowditch took 3-31.