MINEHEAD won by five wickets in their top of the table clash at home to previously unbeaten Bristol and Somerset Division leaders Clevedon.

In a hard-fought game, returning captain Andrew Woodward elected to bowl but, unlike recent weeks, Minehead did not start well and the opposition openers helped themselves to some buffet bowling to take 30 runs off the first six overs.

The bowlers finally found their rhythm and three maidens were sent down on the bounce, and the pressure brought about the first wicket when Josh Barrett was too quick for Harley Foley and he could only top edge a tame pull shot to fine leg.

In the next over, a smart stumping from Matt Drakeley saw Dan Bowditch dismiss No 3 Mike Hanley.

Minehead were doing well to keep opener Tim Hancock - Clevedon's best batsman - away from the strike, and his frustration showed when he nibbled at one from Barrett and edged through to the keeper, only for the umpire to give him not out.

That could have been a big moment in the match, but off the very next ball Hancock got a thick edge to the keeper and was sent on his way.

Another wicket fell as Clevedon slipped from 30-0 to 42-4, and a small recovery by the lower middle order was soon extinguished with the introduction of Tom Wright.

He repeated his efforts of the previous week by ruthlessly taking four wickets for only two runs from five overs and Clevedon were bowled out for 117 in only 35 overs.

Another good fielding performance from Minehead featured two excellent run outs by Woodward and Steve Hayes.

Minehead began their innings with their fifth different opening partnership of the campaign as Wright was joined by returning big hitter Ian Buchanan.

In typical style, Buchanan gave the home side just the start required when chasing a small total, hitting 20 quick runs in a stand of 34 before being caught at cover.

Wright was looking at ease with the bowling and although three wickets fell at the other end he kept putting the bad ball away until what seemed an innocuous ball somehow skidded through his defence and he was bowled for a vital 46.

The game was in Minehead's grasp but the visitors took confidence from Wright's wicket and were determined to hold on to their unbeaten record.

But Woodward and Matt Sully saw the game out, picking off the 20 runs required to give Minehead their third win in a row.

That consolidated their third place in the table, and they face another crucial match tomorrow (Saturday) when they go to Old Bristolians of Westbury, who took over top spot from Clevedon after Saturday's results.