MINEHEAD suffered a three-wicket defeat away to second-placed Temple Cloud in the Premier Division of the Somerset Cricket League yesterday (Sat).

Minehead, batting first, made 257 for eight in their 45 overs - a respectable score. Ellis Taylor, batting at No 8, top scored with 58 not out. Vice-captain Dan Bowditched made 31, Alistair Harrison 36 and Chris James 29.

Charlie Thompson and Rob Head both took two wickets but Head, in particular, was expensive.

Consistent batting all down the order enabled Temple Cloud, in second place, to reach their target in 44 overs for the loss of seven wickets. Charlie Thompson top scored with 67 and Simon Cross made 58.

Harry Tudball, Bowditch and Ellis Taylor all picked up two wickets for Minehead who remain fourth but are now 44 points behind leaders Long Sutton.