TEN-MAN Methodists travelled to sunny Horrington for a season-opening friendly against Wells & Horrington CC - and slumped to a 199-run defeat!

The strong home side opted to bat first and, despite losing two early wickets to Paul Evans (3-39), scored quickly - skipper Sam Pardey (33) and the scintillating Graham Russell exploiting the gaps in the field and smashing 76 runs in just nine overs. George Ball (32) helped Russell put on another 76 for the fourth wicket, before he was athletically caught by Stuart Green off the bowling of Charlotte Hazell.

Russell (105*) retired upon reaching a brilliant century, but runs aplenty in the final ten overs saw W&H post an imposing 264-7.. After tea, the visitors' openers Martin Woolley and James Green began in steady fashion, before the hosts really emphasized the gulf between the sides. Great bowling from Ball (3-8) and Matt Williams (3-16), and an unfortunate injury to Evans, saw Methodists crumble from 25-0 to 65 all out - Green's 28 accounting for over half the runs! Hopefully some much-needed net practice, and a full complement of players, will see them more competitive for their next match! Methodists' match ball sponsor - Somerset Chilli Garden. Methodists' Player Sponsors - Westsell Packaging, Molehill Construction, Premier Oak Buildings.