AN OPENING partnership of 131 set the scene for Minehead Second XI’s 27-run victory over Street in Somerset Cricket League Division Three on Saturday afternoon.

After being put in young Oli Ahern hit 76 and skipper Andrew Stevens made 41 to give Minehead a great start.

Lower in the order Gary Bennett, with an unbeaten 64, and James Davis who ended not out  17 shared an unbroken partnership of 60 to help to see the hosts to 239 for five from their 40 overs.

When Street replied Bennett swapped bat for ball and removed the top three batters as the hosts stumbled to 46 for four. A fifth wicket partnership put on 58 to see up the 100 before Jack White accounted for Joe Storey for 27.

Michael Higgs hit 33 before he, too, was removed by White after which Dillon Difford with an unbeaten 43 and Ross Smith remained together.

Howeve, Street were restricted by a good bowling performance and ended on 212 for eight, Difford ending not out 43 and Smith unbeaten on 26.

White ended with four wickets for 45, while Bennett’s miserly spell saw him end with the impressive figure of three for eight off eight overs, three of which were maidens.