AN IMPROVED performance by Axbridge saw one great all-rounder return to form and another take the stage for the first time.

AN IMPROVED performance by Axbridge saw one great all-rounder return to form and another take the stage for the first time.

This was not quite good enough to win against visiting Taunton accountants Butterworth Jones, partly due to the loss of 38 extras as they racked up 126-6.

Axbridge skipper Phil Saunders chose to open the bowling up the Allerton hill, much to chagrin of toiling fast man Jordan Peters. This allowed the old workhorse Paul Davies to charge in from the top end and find some form.

But it was new boy Mike Cooke (3-16) who did the damage, getting plenty of swing and bounce on debut. Makeshift keeper Don Pelham and ace fielder Dave Samways tried hard, but could not prevent 33 from Miller 21 from Smith. Luckily, Pete Would (2-16) was miserly at the end, despite taking a blow on the knee.

The Axbridge reply was never up with the run rate, although Cooke (10) was impressive in his first knock for the club. Then Davies (26 not out) enjoyed himself with the bat. Another huge positive was Sharif Syed's 16 not out, which included some lusty blows for such a young lad. But with Watkin (1-5 off four overs) and his colleagues bowling tightly, a victory for the visitors never looked in any doubt, as Axbridge finished on 98-5.