Taunton Deane First XI welcomed high-flying Congresbury to the Convent Field where a rain break reduced the match to 48 overs a side.

It was no surprise that the Congresbury captain asked the Deane to bat first, but they were disappointed as the first wicket partnership provided 97 before Nick Pepper was out for an impressive 41 with his off drives being of particular note.

Harry Smith was fourth wicket down at 188 having registered his second century of the season against Congresbury, after which Ben Chaffey played a well-judged and unbeaten innings of 37 to take the Deane to a respectable 241 for seven.

Chasing a revised total of 244, the start to the Congresbury innings could not have been more dramatic as Jim Brehaut’s first ball ripped the stumps out of the ground and Peter Woodland made the long walk back to the pavilion.

While Brehaut was adding to his tally with a further two wickets, Ben Squire was doing an equally impressive and important job with an economy of under three runs an over.

Congresbury’s highly effective middle order was, for once, not on top form, and the selection of three spinners proved to be totally justified.

Scott Thomas, Rufus Williams-Pritchard and Sam Burgess each took a brace of wickets, helped by some good catches by Ed Mellor and Ali Hamid as the visitors were bowled out for 160 in the 42nd over.

Looking at the scorecard, the win by 83 runs looks comprehensive but, with ten defeats behind them, this win for this very young Deane side was precious.

Deane Seconds also enjoyed a good win away at Long Sutton.

The Deane had started well, taking the first Long Sutton wickets for just 69 but Joseph Martin’s century dented some bowling figures and helped the home side to 201.

Four wickets fell to the very promising James Salt and three to the evergreen Jason Squire.

Early wickets were also a feature of the Deane reply but the experience and expertise of skipper, Ali Warren who remained unbeaten on 86 and Jason Squire who ended unbeaten on 60 saw the visitors home with overs to spare.

With the Under 15s winning their cup final against Wellington on Wednesday, there was plenty to celebrate.

Deane First XI travel to table-topping Downend next Saturday while the 2nd XI are at home to local rivals Taunton St Andrew’s.