CRICKET: Ilminster beaten by Weston-super-Mare as Chard overcome Minehead

ILMINSTER let a good start slip away as they were defeated by Weston-super-Mare in front of a sizeable crowd in their season opener on Saturday.

Close to 200 people packed around the boundary edge to watch the hosts begin their campaign, and they got off to a flyer, with Louis Kraucamp taking on Weston’s star-studded attack including Charl Willoughby and Peter Trego.

Once Kraucamp fell for 32, however, only Charlie Vickery was able to put up much resistance.

Vickery ended unbeaten on a patient 68 but Ilminster’s 155-8 looked light on an excellent wicket, especially as they had looked set for a good deal more.

Ilminster needed early wickets but got just the one, with Sam Grinter dismissing Andy Fear.

Trego made 49 before he was clean bowled by Matt Davis, but Ben Gully (31no) joined Jack Press (58no) to see the visitors home by eight wickets.

This Saturday, Ilminster travel for a tough game at Bishopston.

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WEPL Somerset Division
Chard 182-9 beat Minehead 100 by 82 runs

CHARD got off to a winning start to their West of England Premier League campaign, largely thanks to the heroics of bowler Chris Scott.

Visitors Minehead elected to field, and removed Nathan Johnson early on to leave the hosts 7-1.

Jonathan Scott (17) and Scott Wells-Burr (39) counter-attacked, but at 89-5 Chard were in trouble.

Pete Moxom (47) and Nathan Warren (27) moved the score onto 182-9, though, with Dan Bowditch taking 3-26 and Darren Sherring 3-30 for Minehead.

The away side began their chase well, reaching 26, but then Joe Draper (2-20) removed Ian Buchanan and Bowditch.

From there it was all about Chris Scott, who ended with marvellous figures of 8-8 off 8.5 overs (five maidens).

Only Freddie Wilson (24) and Stephen Hayes (28) managed scores of note as Scott dismissed the visitors for 100.

This coming Saturday sees Chard go to Staplegrove.

STAR MAN: Chris Scott after his 8-8 performance. Pic: Chard Cricket Club