Winscombe improve but still lose

EVEN though Winscombe gave a much improved performance they still came away with a 32-run defeat at Wembdon.

Wembdon, electing to bat, were struggling at 10-2 with Chris Clough (1- 51) and Liam Cureton (1-45) bowling well to start with, but A Bailey and R Palmer slowly got on top of the bowling and upped the scoring rate until a fine spell from Jory Cureton (1-18) accounted for Bailey.

The introduction of Mike Coe accounted for Palmer, but Brockwell and Puddy mounted up the runs until Winscombe fought back in the final few overs, bowling out Wembdon for 214.

Mike Coe bowled an excellent spell of spin, taking 5-47 and he was backed up by Iain Fraser 2-50 .This was supported by some good fielding and catching from Dave Bailey and Jory Cureton.

In reply, Winscombe were quickly reduced to 4-2 before Alan Hunt (11) and Ross Toohey (38) put on a quick 52 for the third wicket before both were out in consecutive balls.

Mike Coe (31) and Liam Cureton (23) steadied things with a stand for the fifth wicket, but Winscombe were then reduced to 111-7. Dave Bailey then rolled back the years with a thumping 56 including four sixes and four fours but Winscombe could still only manage 182 all out.

Winscombe Crusaders entertained third placed Limpley Stoke in a high scoring game,

Captain Keith Johns won the toss and elected to bat. Losing two quick wickets it started to look a bad decision, but Jory Cureton (36) and John Munden steadied the ship, Matt Wright (36) joined Munden and took the score over 200 with Munden with a superb 131 including six sixes and 16 fours, as Winscombe finished with a challenging total of 264.

Limpley Stoke were well up with the run rate after taking a liking to the normally steady Merv Brean, but then he struck with three quick wickets finishing with 3-32.

The introduction of Jack Frazier (2-29) and Jory Cureton (6-4-6-1), slowed the rate further, with spinners Mark Elvins (2-26) and Dan Kennedy (2-42) finishing the job, bowling out Limpley for 197.