On their first outings of the season, Winscombe’s cricket teams enjoyed mix fortunes on difficult wickets where winning the toss and bowling first was extremely beneficial.

The 1st XI lost the toss and were asked to bat by Taunton Deane 2nd XI in their Somerset Premier League match.

All of Winscombe’s batters struggled on a pitch that was giving extravagant movement, with only Liam Cureton reaching double figures in displaying admirable technique and patience.

Winscombe were all out for 62 with Connor Chilcott the pick of the bowlers for Taunton, taking five wickets for eight runs in his nine overs whilst Ben Squire took three for ten.

In reply, on an easing wicket, Taunton’s openers rode their luck but played judiciously with skipper Ben Osborne leading the way before he fell to Winscombe debutant Chris Butcher for 23.

Anburaj Alexander finished 21 not out for Taunton, seeing them to a nine-wicket victory.

Winscombe’s man of the match award, sponsored by JNH Innovations, went to Liam Cureton.

Winscombe’s 2nd XI played Taunton Deane 4th XI and, having won the toss, asked Taunton to bat.

Following the fall of early wickets to Fin Bawden and Ben Osmond, Taunton innings never really got going.

They were all out for 70, with Fin Mayo picking up five for 18 and Fin Bawden getting two for 13.

The Winscombe openers were relatively untroubled in response with Steve Bawden leading the way with 43 but not out ably supported by Matt Coe who hit 20 not out.

Together, they took Winscombe to a 10 wicket win and maximum points.

Next week the 1ST XI travel to newly promoted Castle Cary, and the 2nds entertain Shapwick and Polden at the Rec.