ON A sun-drenched Saturday at their home ground, Temple Cloud were outplayed by a clinical Taunton Deane side in a high-scoring encounter dominated by a match-winning century from visiting batter Smith in the Somerset Division of the West of England Premier Cricket League.

After electing to bat first on a dry, hard surface, Taunton Deane were on the ropes early on at 64 for 4. Temple Cloud’s seamers bowled with control and intent, finding just enough movement to put the visitors under pressure.

However, momentum shifted with a game-changing 187-run partnership between Smith and Mellor. Smith’s sublime knock of 118 was a blend of grit and flair, while Mellor kept the scoreboard ticking and punished anything off-line. Temple’s bowlers toiled hard but were unable to break the stand as the visitors surged to a formidable total of 251-5.

In response, Temple Cloud started with promise but were unable to build a defining partnership. Three batters reached the 30s, but the innings lacked stability and cohesion. Regular wickets and rising pressure saw the hosts bowled out for 166, well short of their target.

Taunton Deane’s bowlers kept a disciplined line and length, stifling Temple’s progress and ensuring the game never tilted back. Despite early hope, it was a frustrating day for Temple Cloud, who were left to rue missed chances and the brilliance of Smith. Final score: Taunton Deane 251/5, Temple Cloud – 166 all out. Taunton Deane win by 85 runs.

The result leaves the Deane 17 points clear of second-place Ilminster at the top of the table, while Temple Cloud have slipped to fifth after losing their fourth game in 11 league matches.

But with seven games still to play, only 23 points separate the top six sides with Wellington now on the scene after their thrilling one-wicket victory away to Yeovil - their fifth victory in a row.

Meanwhile, in a postcard-perfect summer setting, Temple Cloud’s midweek side edged out Blagdon in a tense, entertaining T20 that delivered drama, comedy, and some fine cricket under the fading golden skies.

Batting first, Blagdon Midweek XI posted 142 for 5, led by M. Dowle and F. Brown who both retired on 30. Temple shuffled through ten bowlers with success: J. Hayne grabbed two in one over, while Max Steeds and Paddy claimed important breakthroughs—Paddy’s LBW appeal still being talked about for its Shakespearean delivery.

Temple’s chase got off to a lively but topsy-turvy start. Hayne, fresh off his bowling haul, was humorously dismissed by his own snooker student, L. Hales, in a twist of midweek karma.

But P. Hamilton steadied things with a fluent 32 retired, Rob Prevett added a composed 22, and D. Nolan’s rapid-fire 21 — including a left-handed six — brought the chase to life.

In the end, it was the ice-cool pairing of Oscar Hooton and Rufus Comer who brought Temple home in the final over. Calm under pressure, the young duo sealed a four-wicket win with a ball to spare, capping off a memorable night of village cricket at its best.

Final Score: Blagdon Midweek XI 142/5 (20 overs), Temple Cloud 143/6 (19.5 overs). Temple win by 4 wickets

From sunburnt Saturdays to floodlit finishes, Temple Cloud continues to fly the flag for community cricket: competitive, charismatic, and filled with character.

L.C.