Banwell & Churchill were well beaten by North Perrott in their first league match of the season.

BANWELL & Churchill opened their Somerset League Division 4 season against North Perrott 2nds at home.

Skipper Brett Diver won the toss putting North Perrott into bat. Bush and Brooks kept it tight for the first few overs until Bush struck with two wickets to reduce the visitors to 36-2 off 10.

Maggerty raced to his 50 off 43 balls before he was dismissed by Bush (3-40). Gale (1-32) and Burge (2-17) picked up further wickets and new signing Guru Kulkarmi (1-13) took a wicket on debut to reduce North Perrott to 104-6.

A wicket from Diver (1-9) and two outstanding catches from the skipper meant he was never out of the game. Brooks returned to finish off the innings with 2-26 off his nine overs as North Perrott were dismissed for 145.

After tea, Banwell lost Lloyd to the first ball and Caddick followed soon after. Kulkarmi (12) and Gale (11) also fell cheaply as the hosts were reduced to 35-4.

Rowswell (5-34) and Munden (3-33) continued to pick up wicket and although Brooks (7 not out) showed some determination, it was all in vain as Banwell slumped to 69 all out as North Perrott won the game by 76 runs.

On Saturday, Banwell & Churchill are away to Trull in what will be another tough game. The match starts at 1.30pm.

BANWELL and Churchill Cricket Club 2nd XI started their league season with a narrow 37-run victory at Wembdon Academy.

They were invited to bat first by their hosts and totalled 230-4 in their allotted 45 overs. Mike Legg batted throughout the innings for an unbeaten 62 runs, but it was young Ollie Masters who batted brilliantly for 53 that gave the visitors’ score the impetus that it needed. Ric Hutchinson contributed to the total with a useful 31 runs.

In reply, Wembdon Academy batted purposefully and threatened to reach a winning total, but eventually fell short in this high scoring match.

They lost six wickets in their run chase with Dan Borrett taking 3-46. Sam Gilbody made a welcome return to the club was the pick of the bowlers taking 3-39 in his 12 overs

The win saw Banwell and Churchill collect 31 points with a depleted and inexperienced team.

BANWELL and Churchill Cricket Club need players of all ages and ability for both their Saturday league teams and their Sunday side which plays friendly matches.

If interested, please phone 01934 832320.