WEST of England League Premier One champions Taunton St Andrews began the defence of their title in solid fashion style with a winning draw at Weston-super-Mare on Saturday.

Skipper and former Somerset all-rounder Keith Parsons produced the stand-out performance hitting an outstanding 137 from 135 balls as Saints reached 261-8 batting first.

The hosts, who were runners-up last season, then held out for the draw, being restricted to 201-7.

Saints are home to local rivals Taunton this Saturday. Taunton and Taunton Deane’s Premier One games were both abandoned on Saturday.

FOR all the club cricket action, see Thursday’s County Gazette.