Banwell and Churchill reclaimed top spot in the league after a rain-affected draw at home to Ilminster.

BANWELL and Churchill reclaimed top spot in the league after an exciting rain-affected draw at home to Ilminster.

After an early wicket for Dom Bush, who bowled a excellent spell, the Ilminster batsman dug in, and were then forced to come off the field with Ilminster 37-1.

Both captains decided to take an early tea and it was agreed whatever Ilminster scored, Banwell had 20 overs to chase it down.

The home bowlers all bowled well to restrict Ilminster to 156-5, with Bush picking up three wicket and Elvis Langley two.

Banwell got off to a good start with Biggs and Gilbody scoring 30 offthe first three overs, but Gillbody was run out for 15. Gale was in next and was soon into his stride picking off the bowling with ease.

Banwell were well set when Biggs went for 27 in the 13th over with the score on 103. Brett Diver joined Gale and kept the scoreboard rolling over with both hitting boundaries.

Diver went for one big shot to many and played on for 19, but Gale was passed his 50 in the 16th over.

It came down to the last over where Banwell needed nine runs to win, but with Gale’s best efforts, the team fell two runs short, Gale finishing on an excellent 68 not out.

The draw gave Banwell and Churchill the points they needed to move back to the top of the league.