TEMPLE Cloud Cricket Club’s 2nd XI made the short trip to face Wells & Horrington 2nd XI and continued their strong run of form in Division 5N of the Somerset Cricket League.

Wells won the toss and elected to bowl first, hoping to make early inroads. However, Temple’s openers Alex Comer (43) and James Hayne (23) got off to a steady start, pushing the score beyond 50 without loss. Although the pitch offered some assistance to the bowlers, the opening partnership laid a strong foundation.

Wells’ bowlers eventually found their rhythm, particularly Reeves, who delivered a superb spell of 8 overs, conceding just 13 runs and removing Hayne. The standout performance, however, came from young bowler Noah Roberts, whose devastating spell saw him take 4 wickets for just 9 runs at one stage, putting Temple on the back foot.

Despite the mid-innings wobble, Temple fought back with crucial contributions from Nathan Brooks (31), Jonny Wall (32), alongside Chris Arbery (19) and Richard Appleyard (11). Their efforts helped Temple reach a competitive total of 217-9 from their 40 overs.

Defending their score, Temple’s bowlers started well. Appleyard and Brooks each claimed an early wicket to keep the pressure on, though Wells’ batter Woods began constructing a solid and potentially match-winning innings. Arbery made a valuable contribution with the ball, taking 2-13, and helped slow the scoring by removing key batsmen. When Pardey joined Woods at the crease, the pair began to look threatening, inching Wells closer to the target.

However, Raisbeck broke the partnership by trapping Pardey LBW, and Appleyard returned to bowl Woods for a well-made 79. With their main batters back in the pavilion, Wells’ tail offered little resistance as Temple polished off the innings, bowling them out for 161.

The win puts Temple just one point behind the top of the division with four wins out of five games. Glastonbury are the early leaders of the division, having also won four of their five matches.

In another weekend fixture, Temple Cloud’s 1st XI put up a spirited performance against North Perrott in the Somerset Division of the West of England Premier League, scoring 190 runs before being bowled out in the 47th over. Opener Lucas Hales was the leading batter with 60 made off 78 balls, while Charlie Thompson scored 26 and Dan Nolan 37. Ronnie Frost was Perrott’s most successful bowler with 3-30.

Despite the respectable total, their opponents managed to chase it down, losing six wickets in the process. It was a competitive contest, with Temple showing resilience in both batting and bowling. While they couldn’t defend their total on this occasion, the result still leaves them at the top of the league standings, clinging to a narrow one-point lead.

Frost was the Man of the Match, top scoring for his side with 54 while James Salaman hit 34 and Freddie Wolfenden 24 not out.

Across both teams, Temple Cloud Cricket Club continues to show promising form this season. The 2nd XI’s consistent performances and the 1st XI’s strong overall standing reflect a club moving in the right direction. With both teams in contention in their respective divisions, the club remains optimistic about maintaining momentum. As the season progresses, Temple will aim to build on their recent successes, strengthen their position at the top of the table, and push for continued excellence on the field.