MINEHEAD have suffered another defeat, this time at the hands of leaders Taunton in the Somerset/Division of the West of England League, despite posting their highest score of the season. 

Winning the toss and batting first, Minehead yet again lost both openers for single figures and were 28 for three when Braden Taylor was caught hooking the impressive Braithwaite for just three. 

Alastair Harrison, in his first game back after a short hiatus, looked as comfortable as ever and partnered with Ellis Taylor looked to put the pressure back on the visiting bowlers. Taylor in particular chose the counterattack option as he found the boundary with regularity before falling for a swift 25. 

Chris James joined the well set Harrison as the pair looked to build a competitive total. Harrison passed 50 first with a selection of pulls and sweeps before James joined him with a half century of his own. The 135-run partnership was broken when James missed a straight one from Braithwaite (three for 29), falling from an impressive 66 with the score on 195. 

Harrison continued on his way, putting away the bad ball with unerring regularity as he chalked up a fine century, finding the boundary 14 times en route. 

Rob Spiers with an unbeaten 14 provided a couple late lusty blows as Harrison finished 108 not out to give his side a competitive total of 240 for six  from their allotted overs.

Early wickets would be key for the home side, but Taunton openers Will Abell and Charlie O’ Dea got their side off to the perfect start as they punished some wayward bowling from the opening bowlers. They put 70 on the board in the first seven overs before first change Braden Taylor, who eded with one for 46,  had O’ Dea well caught for 28. 

Captain Dan Bowditch (one for 55) then accounted for his opposite number, Dan Quick, for just three but Abell was by now well into his stride as he continued to find the boundary with ease. He passed 50 in just 20 balls, and joined by Braithwaite, the pair raced towards the total as none of the hosts bowlers could stem the flow of boundaries. 

Abell went on to record a remarkable 40 ball century that included 14 fours and six sixes before falling next ball to an Ananthapadmanabhan Rajan (one for 49) slower ball. 

The damage was done however, as Braithwaite helped himself to a half century of his own to finish 62 not out as his side recorded a well deserved victory by six wickets inside 27 overs. 

Minehead will finish bottom of the WEPL Somerset Division in what has been a disappointing season for the Pirates. They travel to mid-table Chard next Saturday looking to finish the season on a high.