Weston finished on the losing end of a disappointing result at Ilminster, despite Shabel Ahmed and young Tom Chambers putting in fine performances.

Despite an outstanding batting performance from Shabel Ahmed (69) and some outstanding bowling from Tom Chambers (8-3-17-2), Weston came a bitterly disappointing second in a close contest against Ilminster.

Ilminster won the toss in overcast conditions and removed Andy Fear and Tom Ford early on. Ahmed and Jon Lambert dug in to see Weston beyond the halfway point during a tough spell with Ilminster applying pressure.

After Lambert and Sam Goodhew fell in quick succession, Chris Davidson (36 off 39 balls) put on 60 with Ahmed to put Weston on the front foot. But from 136-4, Weston quickly fell to 148 all out.

Ahmed carried the team as wickets fell around him, before finally falling in the 47th over for an excellent 69. The pick of the Ilminster bowlers was Harry Montacute with figures of 8-2-22-3.

After the tea break, Weston got off to a strong start, with Charl Willoughby (10-2-15-1) and Chambers reducing Ilminster to 7-3 off six overs. The pair gave nothing away and Davidson backed them up ensuring at 20 overs Ilminster hadn’t reached 40.

However, Josh Lee (72) and teenage opener George Hayward patiently accumulated. The bowlers stuck at their task and can feel hard done by as the ball beat the bat frequently. Lee and Hayward showed determination to get through some tough spells and as frustration began to set in for Weston, the pair were rewarded with the 100 partnership.

Despite three late wickets from Davidson (10-0-24-1), Ahmed (8-1-30-1) and Tom Court (7.3-0-40-1), Ilminster crept over the line with two overs to go.

Tom Chambers again opened the bowling with distinction, but the Forte Financial man of the match was Shabel Ahmed. On Saturday, Weston travel to Taunton Deane.

WESTON

A Fear c Davis b Kraucamp 4

T Ford c Lee b Montacute 4

S Ahmed c Lee b Montacute 69

J Lambert run out 5

S Goodhew c&b Thompson 1

C Davidson c&b Thompson 36

J Davidson b Thompson 1

T Dancey lbw Grinter 2

C Willoughby c Elswood b Montacute 0

T Court not out 0

T Chambers st Lee b Grinter 0

Extras 26

Total 148

ILMINSTER

L Kraucamp c Ford b Willoughby 2

G Hayward b Davidson 53

J Warry b Chambers 1

M Davis c J Davidson b Chambers 0

J Lee c Ford b Court 72

C Rice c J Davidson b Ahmed 1

D Vining not out 3

R Elswood not out 2

Extras 15

Total (6 wkts) 149

Bowling: C Willoughby 10-2-15-1; T Chambers 8-3-17-2; C Davidson 10-0-24-1; T Court 7.3-0-40-1; S Ahmed 8-1-30-1; S Goodhew 5-0-17-0.