Weston fell just short of the Premier 2 title after they were beaten into second place in the final match of the season.

WESTON fell agonisingly short of the Premier 2 title after a final week defeat at Thornbury.

The hosts chose to bat first and had reached 53 before Andy Fear removed Lezar for 27. Trottman and Stovold continued building and it took a fine delivery from Ben Main to remove the home captain for 28.

Some excellent fielding helped keep the run rate down, but with the bowlers having to work hard for wickets, Thornbury eased to 150. Main and Trego removed Slade and Davis before a superb direct hit from Sean Stringer ran out Stovold for 59.

Stringer returned with the ball to pick up two late wickets and a superb catch by Fear handed Ben Main his third wicket as Thornbury finished on 249-9.

Weston’s innings started poorly as Turner was removed lbw by Bradley for a duck. Trego had reached 16 before he was caught. Ahmed and Brown got Weston back on track and had taken Weston to 100-2 in the 16th over.

Ahmed came down the wicket to Slade to be stumped, before the same bowler quickly removed Brown (26) and Stringer, reducing Weston to 109-5. John Williams looked in good touch before he played on to Shrewsbury leaving Weston reeling on 129-6.

Chris Davidson looked fluent at the crease and with the dogged support of Will Whittall, there was still hope for Weston, but as Davidson (26) looked to attack, Trottman made the breakthrough followed shortly after by the wicket of Fear.

Some late lusty blows from Whittall (18 not out) and the Main twins, saw Weston reach 210.

Taunton Deane were able to win their game, meaning after 14 weeks on top of the table, Weston were pipped at the final hurdle.

Weston will be disappointed not to have secured the title. A late slump in form as well as some bad luck with the weather, left them within touching distance of the title.

However, having achieved the pre-season objective after two years of rebuilding and with a new captain at the helm, Weston must hold their heads high and begin planning for the challenge of Premier League cricket next season.

THE 3rd XI travelled to East Coker near Yeovil, who needed three points to seal promotion and with Weston’s fate already sealed, the game was played in a positive manner.

Weston skipper Dancey won the toss and decided to have a bat. Unfortunately Coker bowler Tinsley ripped through the top order, finishing with 11-2-34-6.

The only resistance was shown by Dancey, who decided to take the attack to the bowlers and hit a brisk 55 as Weston were all out for a below par 112.

Weston opened the bowling with Wilf Huxtable (6-0-35-1) and Alex Penwell (5-1-26-1). The East Coker batsman decided to chance their arm and knock off the runs before tea.

With only 30 required, Dancey (5-1-19-2) brought himself on and removed both openers. With a low score on the board, Coker knocked the runs off in 22 overs for the loss of four wickets.