Uphill Castle CC’s 1st XI recorded their first win of the season this weekend as they beat Taunton Deane CC 2nd XI by two wickets after a very close fought game.

Castle started the game in the field and their bowlers put on a solid all-round performance to keep Taunton’s batsmen quiet and their total to 184 runs from 45 overs.

Jagadeesh Loya posted the most impressive figures as he took 3-45 off his nine overs, whilst Charlie Huke, 2-28, and Himesha Halnethige, 2-38, both contributed braces.

Chare Smith also added a wicket for his team as he dismissed Taunton opener Max Smyth-Lees for a duck.

Castle then came into bat, and it really was a team effort to pile up the runs as every player who touched the square scored runs.

Openers Smith and Ben Castle both scored 14 before James Wakefield came in to hit a team-high 47 runs and take Castle to 95-3.

Batsmen then continued to come in, hit runs and leave the pitch as Hayden Watts contributed 14, Tommi Davis 20, and Paddy Holyday an unbeaten 20 to take Castle past the target mark to 188-8 after 43.1 overs.

Uphill Castle will next play at home against Castle Cary on June 1st.