TEMPLE Cloud delivered a masterclass in both bowling and batting on Saturday, sweeping aside Shapwick & Polden by 10 wickets in a one-sided encounter in the Somerset Division of the West of England Premier Cricket League at Farmborough.

Winning the toss and electing to bat, Shapwick’s afternoon began in disaster. Gary Filer struck twice in the opening over, immediately putting the hosts on the back foot. Wickets fell at regular intervals as Temple Cloud’s attack maintained relentless pressure.

Shapwick’s hopes of recovery rested on their middle order, but George Fox’s hostile spell of 4 for 44 ensured those ambitions were short-lived. Charlie Thompson then produced an extraordinary burst, scything through the tail with unplayable pace and precision to finish with figures of 4 for 5. Shapwick were bundled out for just 101.

Temple Cloud’s reply was as brutal as their bowling had been disciplined. Openers Reece Croker and Cam Raffan dismantled the Shapwick attack with a mix of power and control. Croker led the charge, smashing an unbeaten 50 laced with six boundaries and four towering sixes, while Raffan’s measured 42 not out included seven fours and a six. The pair raced to the target in just 7.5 overs, finishing on 104 without loss and sealing an emphatic win that underlined Temple Cloud’s dominance and current run of form.

It was Temple Cloud’a tenth victory in 15 league matches this season and they are handily placed third in the division, five points behind leaders Taunton Deane, both sides having played the same number of games. Ilminster, in second spot, also have the same number of points as the Deane.

The Deane pulled off a 74-run win over Yeovil, while Ilminster were 190-run winners over North Perrott.

Meanwhile, it was also a day of drama for Temple Cloud’s second XI, who travelled to Wembdon 4ths with promotion ambitions on the line. After the early loss of Alex Comer, the visitors were steadied by Haydon (28) and in-form Jon Doel (43), who took the score to 78-1 and set a promising platform. However, a cluster of wickets saw Haydon, Curtis, and Raisbeck depart in quick succession, followed by Doel’s dismissal.

A gritty stand between Brooks (28) and Arbery (20), aided by useful contributions from the tail, pushed Temple to 184 all out. The total was competitive, but far from unassailable.Brooks ensured Wembdon’s chase started poorly, claiming two early wickets to leave the hosts floundering at 9-2. Moorish led the fightback with a composed 69, guiding Wembdon to 72-4 at the halfway stage. At that point, with 60 needed from the final 10 overs and five wickets in hand, the home side edged into favouritism.

The match turned decisively when Haydon finally dismissed Moorish, and debutant Max Curtis struck alongside Simon Curtis to remove key batsmen. The pressure mounted as Wembdon required seven runs from the final two overs. Temple’s fielders held their nerve, and two sharp run outs sealed the win, bowling Wembdon out for 182 — just two runs short. The double victory capped a hugely successful weekend for Temple Cloud, with the first XI asserting their supremacy and the second XI keeping their promotion push firmly on track. If both sides can maintain this form, the club’s season could yet finish with silverware and celebrations.