West of England Premier League
Premier 2 Bristol/Somerset
Taunton St Andrew's 322-5 beat Keynsham 144 by 178 runs

A SPARKLING century from Ed Byrom set the Saints on the victory path at The Wyvern Club on Saturday.

After being put in to bat, Byrom and Rob Contreras put on 51 for the first wicket.

Keynsham's Sam Wheller snapped up the wickets of James Regan and Lloyd Alley, but Byrom wound up the pace.

He assaulted the visiting attack on his way to a magnificent 156 in tandem with Kyle Hopper (32), then was out, leaving the stage to Kevin Parsons and Josh Horler.

They piled on the runs, hitting Callum Westbrook for 63 off his four overs - Horler unbeaten on 48 and Parson 35no to set Keynsham a tough target.

In reply, Keynsham slumped to 19-3 after a fine opening spell from Alley.

They made a brave recovery to 83-5 before James Hayman and Kyle Hopper finished the job in the 37th over.

Hayman finished with 4-19 off eight and Hopper 3-22 off four.

The emphatic victory keeps the Saints 31 points ahead of chasing Glastonbury with just three matches remaining.

On Saturday, the Saints travel to lowly Lansdown (12.30pm start).

***

WEPL Premier 2 Bristol/Somerset
Taunton 117 beat Shapwick & Polden 115 by 2 runs

A TIGHT, low-scoring encounter at Shapwick brought Taunton breathing space at the lower end of the table and left the home side in dire straits.

Batting first, Taunton were in terrible trouble at 47-6 with defeat beckoning after an abysmal top order display.

Step up Josh Kelly: he came in to take the innings and opposition attack by the scruff of the neck.

A combination of careful defence and occasional aggression saw him craft a match-winning 48, hitting five 4s and two 6s.

He was last man out... the only one to reach double figures.

Also in line for man of the match was Extras, who brought in 34 runs.

Earlier, Harry Woolway (4-46) and Fionn Hand (2-20 off nine) had caused panic in the Taunton ranks.

When Shapwick replied, Steve Tinnion made a solid 36 and they edged towards their goal.

But, as defeat loomed, Taunton found another saviour in Max Toohey, who came on to take 4-9 in six invaluable overs.

Blake Coburn also kept the wickets tumbling with 4-29 off 10 as Taunton escaped by the skin of their teeth.

On Saturday, Taunton entertain old adversaries Ilminster (12.30pm start).

***

WEPL Premier 2 Bristol/Somerset
Glastonbury 195 all out beat Taunton Deane 190 all out by 5 runs

ALSO involved in a close match, but on the wrong side of the outcome, were Taunton Deane.

Tim Spotswood was the star with the bat for hosts Glastonbury as they made 195 all out in 49.1 overs.

Deane nearly made it to the target but fell five runs short, all out for 190 in 46.5 overs.

This coming Saturday Deane host Shapwick & Polden (12.30pm).