WEPL Premier 2 Bristol/Somerset
Taunton St Andrew’s 182-6 beat Shapwick & Polden 181-9 by four wickets

A TIMELY half-century from Lloyd Alley maintained the Saints’ unbeaten start to the season at Shapwick on Saturday.

Batting first, the home side’s openers put on 41 before James Hayman claimed the vital wicket of Steve Tinnion for 26.

That triggered a mini-collapse as Hayman (3-12) and Joe Wadham (1-38) kept the innings in check.

Fionn Hand (23), Archie Dunning (16) and Sean Stringer (27) rejuvenated the innings but the introduction of Deven Bell quelled Shapwick’s ambitions of a 200-plus target.

His ten overs reaped 3-30 and only a late flourish from Steve Coppell took Shapwick to a closing score of 181-9 off their 50 overs.

In the reply, captain James Regan and Ed Byrom set out in confident mood.

They put on 71 for the first wicket with a plethora of classic shots.

The introduction of Harry Woolway changed the momentum of the innings, however, and he began a ten-over spell by capturing the prized wickets of Regan (28) and Kevin Parsons (0) with the score remaining on 71.

His next victim was Byrom who had reached 41 when he became the second of Woolway’s three lbw victims.

With the score at 101-5 victory looked in doubt for the Saints, but Alley weathered the early storm and when Woolway completed his bowling quota, he cut loose with a series of impressive blows.

In partnership with Josh Horler (17), he raised them to within touching distance and was there unbeaten on 58 when, in tandem with Bell, the Saints reached their target with four wickets and 16 overs remaining.

Alley hit two 6s and eight 4s in his 51-ball innings, while, for Shapwick, Woolway took 5-34 in 10 overs.

The victory realised 19 points for the Saints who took advantage of their rain-free day to go top of the division.

The fortunes of the weather went the other way for Taunton Deane and second-placed Taunton whose match at the Convent Field was rained off leaving them with just six points apiece.