Banwell & Churchill lost their unbeaten record with defeat at Taunton Deane.

BANWELL and Churchill lost their unbeaten record in the league this season when they took an under-strength team to Taunton Deane.

Captain Brad Diver won the toss and decided to bat on the hottest day of the year so far. Biggs and Masters opened up and almost straight away the Taunton bowlers were getting bounce from a good length and were giving Masters trouble.

Masters was soon out with just one to his name. Diver hit his first ball to the boundary to signal his intent, and with Biggs ticking the score board along, Banwell looked well set at 45-1.

Biggs looked comfortable until he was done by the wicket and was caught behind for 30. Diver soon followed for a patient 25, and when Bebber went second ball, Banwell found themselves in trouble at 56-3 in the 20th over.

Mike Adams and Brett Diver set about rebuilding the innings and put on 70 runs before Adams was bowled off his helmet for 23 in the 37th over. Gilbody hit a quick 11 before he was caught and Diver was run out for a hard fought 28.

It was left to Bush to finish the innings with 18 not out, leaving Banwell on 190-7 off their 45 overs.

Banwell got off to a good start when Bush had their opener caught behind with the score on two, soon followed with a wicket for Biggs. Rob Salter bowled a great 12-over spell, finishing with 2-52.

While Banwell were picking up wickets, Taunton’s No 4 was hitting frequent boundaries on his way to his 50.

With Bush coming back on and picking up another wicket, it was too late as Taunton got to their target in the 40th over with six wickets down.

Banwell will be looking to bounce back to winning ways on Saturday when they host Chard.