Banwell & Churchill 2nd XI played their first match of the season, at the sixth time of trying.

BANWELL and Churchill 2nd XI finally managed at the sixth time of asking to play a league match.

Their joy at playing was increased as they also managed to record a victory against a strong Sparkford team.

On winning the toss, they asked their visitors to bat and managed to restrict them to 145-8. The pick of the bowlers were Jeremy Pearson with 1-20 in 12 overs and Brett Diver with 4-27 from nine overs.

Banwell scored the required runs with seven overs remaining for the loss of seven wickets thanks to Mike Caddick (42) and new club members Joe Bryant (39) and Seb Williams (15).

The win was worth 33 points and hopefully will be the first of many that will allow the team to challenge at the top end of their division.