THE build-up towards the start of the 2021 league season continues this weekend, as Taunton Deane and Taunton St Andrews Cricket Clubs’ teams lock horns for the Brice-Nelson Trophy, writes Richard Walsh.

The trophy is named in memory of two Taunton Deane stalwart members, Gordon Nelson and Colin Brice, whose son Richard is now president of Taunton St Andrews.

The trophy was first competed for last year, when it was the Saints who triumphed at the end of a weekend of cricket.

Tomorrow the four men’s sides from each club will play against each other, followed on Sunday by the clubs’ Under-11, Under-13 and Under-15 teams.

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TAUNTON St Andrews’ teams were busy with pre-season fixtures last Saturday, with the 1st and 2nd XIs in action against Devon League side Tiverton Heathcoat, while the 3rd XI travelled away to play at Upottery CC.

In the 1st XI match away at Knightshayes Court, the Saints batted first and were all out for 134, of which Steve Tinnion contributed 46, skipper Lloyd Alley made 25 and the returning James Regan 22.

In reply the hosts reached their target for the loss of four wickets, of which Luke Poole claimed 3-34 from his nine overs, two of which were maidens.

At the Wyvern Club, Saints 2nds made 212, Luke Poole top scoring with 40, which Heathcoat chased down for the loss of seven wickets.

In the 3rds game at Upottery, the hosts batted first and scored 162-9, Tom Bowen claiming 2-6 and Charlie Williams 2-16.

In reply the Saints reached 152-8 in their 45 overs, with Dec German hitting 34, while Martin Jenkins was unbeaten on 52* and Thomas Rew 18*.