TEMPLE Cloud enjoyed a remarkable weekend of cricket with both their senior sides registering important wins.

The 1st XI sealed a commanding 62-run victory away at Yeovil, while the 2nd XI, inspired by a century from veteran opener Tom Haydon, chased down Wedmore’s total in style at Tilley Lane.

The 1st XI match was a showcase of all-round excellence, headlined by a superb century from Reece Croker. After skipper Nathan Brooks won the toss and opted to bat, Temple Cloud set about constructing a formidable total. Openers Charlie Ward and Croker gave their side the perfect platform, adding 80 for the first wicket. Ward anchored sensibly, while Croker produced a sparkling display of strokeplay, racing to a run-a-ball hundred. His 107 from just 78 balls included a mix of powerful drives and delicate touches, leaving Yeovil’s bowlers searching for answers.

The middle order ensured momentum was not lost. Lucas Hales struck a fluent 42 and all-rounder Gary Filer added a valuable 35, helping Temple Cloud push on to 289 for 8 from their allotted 50 overs.

Yeovil’s reply never truly gathered pace. Confronted with a disciplined new-ball attack, their top order was undone by the relentless accuracy of Filer, who bowled with control and venom. His figures told the story: 10 overs, two maidens, 21 runs and four wickets – a spell that broke Yeovil’s backbone. Croker, not content with his batting exploits, chipped in with two wickets alongside George Fox and Rob Head, who also claimed a brace apiece. Yeovil were dismissed for 227, leaving Temple Cloud comfortable winners by 62 runs.

Unsurprisingly, Croker was named Player of the Match for his match-defining contributions with both bat and ball.

Meanwhile, back at Tilley Lane, the 2nd XI faced Wedmore in a contest that unfolded in two distinct halves. Having chosen to field first, Brooks again struck early, bowling Cave for just 2. The visitors consolidated through Lewis-Jones and Cook, but wickets at regular intervals kept Temple Cloud in the hunt. Riyaz Shaikh’s dismissal of Cook for 38 felt pivotal, yet Wedmore’s Whittaker produced a resilient 78 not out, lifting his side to 210 for 5 from 40 overs

.Set 211 for victory, Temple’s reply was built on experience and patience. The evergreen opening pair of Alex Comer and Haydon rolled back the years with a century stand. Comer looked composed before retiring on 38 with a foot injury, leaving Haydon to carry the chase. Partnered by Prevett, who struck a handy 34, Haydon paced his innings beautifully. When Prevett fell, the stage was set for Haydon to complete a glorious unbeaten 101, sealing the win with the help of some late power hitting from Liam Raisbeck.

Temple Cloud crossed the line with overs to spare, underlining their batting depth and determination. With promotion places tightly contested, the 2nd XI now turn their focus to hosting Glastonburythis coming weekend. For Temple Cloud, it was a Saturday of double delight: a thumping 1st XI win on the road and a 2nd XI chase masterminded by one of the club’s longest-serving stalwarts.