TAUNTON'S miserable league campaign ended with another defeat last Saturday, this time at the hands of Bristol West Indians.

With their relegation already confirmed, Taunton made a spirited attempt at chasing the home side's formidable total of 310 all out, finishing on 265-7 at the close.

The visitors' reply was dominated by a second wicket stand of 151 between Reg Keates and Jack Cooper.

After nine seasons of unstinting service, Keates was playing his last game for the club. And, having endured a tough season at the helm, it was fitting that the skipper was able to display his customary mix of skill and determination, in a final knock of 80.

Cooper, meanwhile, has been in great nick all season, and his 77 came off only 83, taking his league aggregate to 366 runs in nine innings at an average of just over 40.

Further contributions came from James Bullough, Dan Davis and 16 year-old, debutant, Charlie Ellison, son of the former Kent and England all-rounder, Richard.

Ultimately, however, 311 for victory proved an impossible 'ask.' As usual, pace man, Sherman Gordon, was in the wickets, with 4-66 from his 15.

Earlier in the day, Taunton were made to rue the heavy motorway traffic which saw them take the field with only 8 men. West Indians skipper, James Pearson, top scored with 67 from 56 balls, while fellow opener, Shawn Bennett, smashed his way to 35 from only 19 balls as the hundred was posted in only the 10th over of the innings.

The momentum was then maintained by Jamie Trenchfield (51) and Dazell Young (38), before Ricky Williams exuded class during his run-a-ball 44.

Taunton did well to re-gain a measure of control in the final part of the innings, and Steve Keates, assisted by a brilliant leg-side stumping from Jon Todd, rounded off a fine first season with a further four victims.

Cooper (3 for 33) and Ellison (2 for 33) also bowled impressively, with the latter giving both Crawford and Williams the hurry-up' with several quick bouncers at the death.

Roman Jacques/Phoenix Engineering man-of-the-match: Reginald Leslie Keates III.