TWIN centurions Oliver Groves and Josh Hurley catapulted Minehead to victory over a struggling Castle Cary by 198 runs in the Premier Division of the Somerset Cricket League on Saturday afternoon at Luttrell Way.

Minehead captain Dan Bowditch did not think twice about batting first on a good pitch and quick outfield and it was Jonah Hopkins (17) who got his side off to a flyer, striking four early boundaries before unfortunately missing a straight one with the score on 33.

This brought Hurley to the crease to join Groves as they carried on the quick start with some good running and classy stroke play. They cashed in on some wayward bowling and it was Hurley who reached 50 first, closely followed by his 17-year-old compatriot.

Groves, however, took up the mantle of the aggressor as he accelerated through the 70s and 80s with gay abandon on his way to a sublime century off just 103 balls, his first of many you’d imagine as he settles into a new role as opening batter.

He was eventually removed for 113 off 115 deliveries including 13 fours and a six, but Hurley continued in effortless style to reach his own milestone, his first 100 for Minehead First XI and in an impressive season where he sits fifth in the league run scorers’ charts.

Some late fireworks from Ellis Taylor who hit 40 off 18, with three 4s and two 6s, meant The Pirates ended up posting 353 for three wickets from their allotted 45 overs, Hurley remaining 125 not out from just 116 balls, with 14 fours.

In reply, the visitors lost their captain Elsworth for two but Leach (44) and Holland (23) played watchfully to see off the new ball.

Alfie Rucklidge, with nought for 22, bowled beautifully up front with little luck, but it was Harry Tudball who picked up his second wicket when he removed Holland to finish with impressive figures of two for 19 off his nine overs.

The dangerous Atkins looked to kick-start a counterattack but failed to notice a fielder on the deep mid-wicket boundary as he picked up the bowling of Darren Sherring one for 54 straight into the hands of Taylor for just six.

Taylor, who ended with two for 14, entered the attack, wasting little time as he bowled Leach with his first delivery to leave the away side teetering at 102 for four. He then picked up King (9) before Ananthan Rajan with two for nine, and Bowditch two wickets for two picked up a pair of wickets a piece to bring the innings to a close, as Castle Cary were all out for 155 in 41 overs.

It looks as though Minehead are almost certain to finish fifth in the SCL Premier Division with just one game to play, a position they would have taken at the start of the season after being relegated last term.

The Pirates travel to Taunton St Andrews Second XI for their final match in the league this Saturday, August 30, while both the Second XI and A XIs are playing at home starting at 1.30pm.

Local band Samphire will be performing live at the club in the evening; anyone is welcome to come along and see out the 2025 season in style.