Ilminster defeat Wembdon in first win of the season

Wembdon returned to action in WEPL Somerset on Saturday, hosting a Ilminster side fresh from relegation and also looking to make amends from a loss the following weekend.

Ilminster sent Wembdon in to bat on what was set to be a scorching day at The Green.

Barnard and Anning took to the crease looking to make the most of the conditions however were thwarted in the second over off the bowling of Pattemore when Anning chased a wide delivery, driving it straight to the fielder at backward point.

Everett joined Barnard and the pair began finding the boundary imminently, with Barnard striking three fours in the third over.

They continued to score freely off the opening bowlers until Everett was removed by Rice in the 17th over LBW for 26, sharing a partnership of 73 runs.

Love joined Barnard for the next 12 overs, both contributing 50 runs for the next wicket until Love was out by Ilminster overseas Nanayakkara with the score 126-3 Barnards early aggression began to steady due to tight spells from the Ilminster bowlers subsequently reducing the run rate. He reached his century in the late stages of the game, anchoring the Wembdon innings to 219, contributing 115* including 14 fours and 2 sixes, carrying his bat in what was a classy display of power and patience.

Following the break, the Ilminster openers took no time in setting a clear intent for the beginning of the innings.

Millett found the boundary with ease taking them to 81-0 off 10 overs. Wembdon needed a breakthrough, and it came in the 11th over when the ever reliable Pope removed Nanayakkara and Rice in consecutive deliveries leaving Ilmisnter 81-2 off 11 overs.

Millett, however, continued to dominate. His 84 from just 55 balls, featuring nine fours and five sixes, was a powerful display that kept Ilminster ahead, until he was removed by Everett in the 20th over with the score at 125-3.

With runs on the board, Wembdon rotated bowlers in an effort to break the growing partnership between Worry and Vickery. The pair added vital runs in the middle overs, taking Ilminster to 181-6 by the 32nd over. Vickery ultimately sawIlminster home in the 42nd over, finishing 265* despite a late double-wicket maiden from Everett picking up crucial bowling points.