MN METHODISTS beat Mells by 61 runs after opting to bat first in dry but overcast and muggy conditions.

Opening bowlers Rich Rodgers and Henry Hockley (2-28) soon found their range and kept scoring chances to a minimum - the Methodists wobbling at a perilous 29-3 by the 9th over. Batters James Green (26) and Iain Locke then dug in, steadily building an important partnership, and adding about 50 runs in 18 overs together.

Locke eventually had to retire hurt, giving the hosts' bowlers an opportunity to regain control. The visitors had slumped to 101-7 when Locke (29*) eventually returned to the crease, but only a handful of extra runs were added as Rich Rodgers (3-11), son Archie (1-7) and Mells' skipper Matt Seviour wrapped up the innings.

The home side’s opening batters got 30 runs on the board in the first ten overs, but when - eventually - the Methodists broke through, wickets began to tumble. Bowlers Mark Robinson (4-3) and Daniel Shearn (4-27) met little resistance from the rest of the Mells’ top-order - the home team crumbling from 31-1 to 51 all out. Mells CC 51 all out v MN Methodists 112 all out

Methodists' match-ball sponsor - Bath Electrical; Methodists' Player Sponsors - Westsell Packaging, Molehill Construction, Premier Oak Buildings, Timber Games.