MINEHEAD are still in search of their first victory of the season in the Somerset Division of the West of England Premier Cricket League.

Playing their fourth match since being promoted after winning the Premier Division in the Somerset League, Minehead went down by 59 runs at home to North Petherton last Saturday.

After putting on 36 runs for the first wicket when chasing 158 to win, Minehead lost six batters for the addition of only three runs, including skipper Dan Bowditch, who was one of four middle-order players in a row to go for a duck. Earlier in the game he had taken 4-15.

The seasiders were finally bowled out for 98 against a side who had lost two of their previous three fixtures.

It means Minehead, now ninth in the table having played four matches and lost four times, have only 16 points, 29 points fewer than the next placed side Yeovil.

Meanwhile, Minehead will be looking to end their poor start to the season when they play away on Saturday to Temple Cloud who are lying second in the table, only three points behind leaders Bridgwater.

Temple Cloud were in good form last weekend, chalking up an 83-run away success against Frome who, like Minehead, have lost their opening four games. At the other end of the table, leaders Bridgwater are home to Yeovil.

Minehead 2nd XI, who play in the third division of the Somerset League, play at home to Street who have yet to get off the mark. Like the first team, Minehead have made a disappointing start to the season and have won only one match.

Minehead 3rd XI, who play in Division Three of the West Somerset League, are away to Stogumber who are unbeaten and top the table.