TAUNTON Cricket Club marked their return to WEPL's top tier with an emphatic 215-run victory over Downend at Gipsy Lane.

Jack Cooper (97) and Ben Phillips (53) helped the hosts to 286-8 from their 50 overs, before former Somerset seamer Phillips tore through Downend with 5-22, as the Bristolians were dismissed for just 71.

David Scott (3-42) and Ben Orr (2-6) were also in the wickets.

Elsewhere in Premier One, Taunton St Andrews suffered a 65-run defeat at last season's champions, Frocester.

A century from Uzi Quereshi (104) and 60 from Tom Wand saw Frocester amass 302-7 batting first, before Saints were bowled out for 237 inside 48 overs.

James Hayman (70no) top scored.

In Premier Two Bristol & Somerset, Taunton Deane kicked off with a four-wicket victory over Shapwick & Polden.

Chasing 256 to win, Jack Fraser (57), Harry Thomas (43) and Sam Loud (32) saw Deane to victory.