Mood damper than the weather after heavy defeat

SHAPWICK & Polden's mood was damper than the conditions as they fell to a crushing defeat at home to Somerset Division front-runners Temple Cloud.

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Despite the weather across the region, two of the five games in the division managed to play to a finish, with Shapwick ultimately being the biggest losers. With most teams earning at least six points for a cancelled or abandoned fixture, Shapwick only managed a single point as they never recovered from a shaky start.

The game itself was disrupted for over three hours due to the persistent showers, however Shapwick had already fallen to 13-4 after 9.3 overs by then. When play resumed with a reduced number of overs, Shapwick were ultimately bowled out for just 49 in 18.4 overs. Wicket-keeper Jacques Luckins (17) was the only batter to reach double-figures.

Despite an early wicket apiece for James Hayman and Joe Mason, Temple Cloud raced to their eight-wicket success in just 3.5 overs to claim the maximum 20 points.

Butleigh are now 12 points behind second-bottom Shapwick after they did earn six points from just ten overs of play at home to Bridgwater 2nd. Opener Robert Milligan remained at the crease after Butleigh had been inserted, unbeaten on 12, as the hosts reached 38-2. Mark Agutter (6) and Jacob Potts (12) also added to the scoreboard in their brief cameos.

THE rain reared its head for the first time on a Saturday this season, leaving many fixtures cancelled or drawn across the league.

Three of the four games in the Premier Division were called off without a ball being bowled, including Castle Cary's game at home to Frome.

Seven of the eight sides in the division earned 12 points from the weekend. The only team that didn't was North Petherton who managed to claim 14 from just five overs at Wedmore.

Having been asked to bat, Pethy raced to 42-0 before the rain came to stay.