Minehead lose by 65 runs in top-of-the-table encounter.

FOR the first time this season, Weston Ladies played in extreme heat as they took on league leaders Minehead.

Weston Skipper Roxy Newman lost the toss but, surprisingly, Minehead elected to field.

Openers Emma Whitehead and Alice Newman went out looking forward to batting on a hard wicket and they put on a partnership of 31 before Wiseman was bowled by Hazel Binding in the 12th over. Although she only scored four, it was the first of three good partnerships which were to prove vital.

Player of the match Sarah Tedder joined Whitehead at the crease and they worked hard to keep the run rate ticking over. Trying to up the rate in the last eight overs, Whitehead fell for 39, ending a partnership of 87.

Skipper Newman then joined Tedder who, by now, was dealing mainly in boundaries to put on an unbeaten partnership of 59. With Tedder finishing on 75 not out, including 10 fours, and Newman finishing unbeaten on 26, Weston posted a total of 177 from their 35 overs.

Minehead are a strong batting side and Weston knew they would have to work hard to keep the run rate down to put the pressure on the visitors.

A changed opening bowling attack of Newman (2-9) and Georgia Tulip (0-17) set about their task well, Newman opening with a maiden which included the wicket of Minehead skipper Carol Matravers. Newman struck again in her third over having Hazel Binding caught by Tulip for 12.

A change brought Wiseman (0-24) and Sam Evans (1-16) into the game. The only wicket of their spell was that of Eileen Denley, who was bowled by Evans for 10. More importantly though, this ended what was to prove to be the biggest partnership of the Minehead innings - 49.

The third bowling pairing proved to be the last one required with Josie Smith (2-26) replacing Wiseman and Whitehead (4-18) replacing Evans. The two knew it was key to keep the in-form Hannah Sparks off strike.

They worked well in tandem, Whitehead taking a wicket in her first over, bowling Brooks for 0, whilst Smith ran out Garwood for one in her second over. Whitehead then had Georgia Perkins (0) caught by Helen Clough in her second over, and Whitehead bowled Becy Holland for three in her third. Smith then trapped Susi Beachamp leg before for four and bowled Ella Beachamp for a duck in her fifth over. She ended the match by taking the wicket of young Marie Denly for one with the first ball of her sixth over. Minehead finished on 112.

Weston and Minehead are now level on points with Minehead having a game in hand.