A FINE all round performance from Mike Burns led Taunton St Andrews to a fine win at Weston-super-Mare but it was not enough to seal the coveted West of England Premier One title.

Frocester's seven-wicket victory away to Keynsham meant it was they who claimed the championship leaving Saints runners-up.

That was a great achievement in such a competitive division is especially as the side feared relegation at the halfway stage.

Winning the toss, stand-in skipper Burns had little hesitation in asking Weston to bat, especially as Somerset'ss Mark Turner and Keith Parsons were both able to play.

It was Turner (3-40) who struck the first blow, having Shabil Ahmed caught behind for nought at the end of the first over and the big wicket of ex Somerset keeper, Rob Turner, lbw for 12.

With skipper Gary Morgan retiring hurt and wickets falling regularly, Weston were in trouble at 96-5.

At this point Morgan (30) bravely returned and shared the innings' only partnership with Edd Brown (62) who was caught of the bowling of the consistent Mike Parsons with the score at 162. Burns (3-23) mopped up the tail with his off spin and Weston had totalled a less than competitive 186 from almost their 55-over allocation.

Kevin Sedgbeer's continued accuracy and control with his leg spin went largely unrewarded as his 16 overs brought him 1-44.

Saints' win was never in doubt as openers Brian Hoyle (48) and Burns (74) put on 99 for the first wicket.

Hoyle has had a wonderfully consistent season but will perhaps be frustrated that he has missed out on the big score.

Burns, meanwhile, scored his runs from 79 balls as Saints dominated. About half way through this partnership, news had filtered through that Frocester were struggling at 30-3 chasing Keynsham's total of 226 and an unlikely title seemed a possibility.

Meanwhile, Weston toiled away, with Somerset's Michael Munday (2-50) the pick of the attack.

Keith Parsons (25 not out) and Paul Lawrence (23 not out) took Saints to a seven-wicket win as it emerged that Frocester had won their game and the title to leave Saints happy with their achievement but looking to build on runners up in the 2008 season.

Dixon Walsh man-of-the-match: Mike Burns