WEPL Somerset Division

Minehead 87-3 beat Chard 86 by 7 wkts

CHARD endured a miserable Saturday as they picked up just one point from a heavy defeat at home to Minehead.

Minehead came into the match in confident mood following a victory over leaders Frome the previous weekend and put Chard in upon winning the toss.

Reid Mawdsley struck a couple of early boundaries but was trapped in front for 11 by Ian Buchanan, who then had Harvey Dening (1) caught.

It was 22-3 when Jon Scott was bowled without scoring and, after a brief stemming of the tide, Liam Cleal (4) was bowled and Akhona Mbanga (19) was run out to leave Chard 42-5.

It was then left to Niall Crouch to stand firm as wickets fell around him, and he was the last wicket to fall for a top score of 27 as the innings was wrapped up on 86 in the 29th over, Minehead captain Dan Bowditch taking 3-18.

Scott Wells-Burr took an early wicket in reply, Ian Buchanan (4) caught by Jon Scott off Wells-Burr (1-27 off seven).

Mbanga (2-33 off eight) then accounted for Angus Marsh (15) and Daniel Godfrey (12) to reduce the visitors to 43-3, but that was as good as it got for Chard.

Wicketkeeper Phillip Barraclough (37*) and Alastair Harrison (13) finished the job from the first ball of the 23rd over as Chard rotated their bowlers with no further success.

Chard remain second but they are now 52 points behind leaders Frome going into this Saturday’s trip to Wellington (12.30pm).

WEPL Premier 2 Bristol/Somerset

Ilminster 129-1 beat Shapwick & Polden 126 by 9 wkts

HARRY Montacute signed off for the season with three key wickets as Ilminster cruised to victory at bottom side Shapwick & Polden on Saturday.

The visitors opted to field, and although Shapwick got to 38 without loss, Montacute – who is getting married this weekend and setting off on his honeymoon – removed both openers, Sam Edmunds (15) and James Venkatrao (17).

The hosts tumbled from 38-0 to 53-5 as Montacute (3-21 off 10) and Adam Cox (3-18 off 7.2), the latter promoted from the 2nd XI, wreaked havoc.

Only John Stratton (45) and Ben Rudge (12) showed any real resistance as Shapwick were all out for 126 in 41.2 overs, with Stratton’s the last wicket to fall.

Richard Elswood (2-32), Keelan Ashby (1-16) and James Thompson (1-31) also contributed for Ilminster.

George Hayward (54no) and Jonny Warry (56) got the bulk of the work done in the run chase, Ashby (6no) coming in to see them over the line.

Ilminster’s Craig Rice said: “They started well, but our bowlers were outstanding and we fielded well.

“It was a good toss to win, after a few wet days, and we took advantage.”

Montacute aside, Ilminster should have a full squad available for this Saturday’s home match with North Perrott (12.30pm), who are one point ahead of them in the league table.

On Sunday, Ilminster Under-19s face an Ilminster Old Boys XI at the Rec (1.30pm).