As the Deane’s men’s teams returned to the Convent Field on Saturday evening, they learned that there had been mixed fortunes. The 3rd XI had travelled to Wincanton only to suffer a heavy defeat as had the 5th XI at nearby West Monkton. The 4th XI had played out an extraordinary, tied game against Ilminster 3rds with Freddie Jarrett continuing to show his development as a cricketer with an impressive 83.

The 1st XI had taken on fellow relegated Ilminster at the sun-soaked Recreation Ground. Ilminster chose to bat but were soon to question the wisdom of their decision.

The large group of Ilminster supporters were only just settling to an early cider when Deane overseas opening bowler, Sunil Lachit, had opener Riley Millett taken behind by Dave Jones with just his second ball in English league cricket. Sunil went on to take two further wickets to return figures of 3 for 21 in his 10 overs.

Ilminster’s woes continued when Lachlan Rice hesitated and Harry Smith swooped in to perform the perfect pick up, throw, hit stumps routine that we have seen so often.

Only Sam Spurway (29) put up any resistance and he and Toby Pattemore (16) managed to squeeze Ilminster into three figures. That total was greatly inflated by the Deane’s inconsistent bowling. Amongst some excellent balls that tested and often beat the bat, there were many that were wayward. In total the Deane gifted Ilminster 42 extras of which wides counted for 31. On another day this would have been an act of generosity that cost us the game, but it was not to be.

Jim Brehaut , Ed Mellor and Sam Burgess took a brace of wickets each while James Salt had his introduction to 1st team league cricket and showed that he already belongs at that level.

Harry Smith and Bertie Michaels took the Deane to 36 before Smith was clean bowled by Michael Reynolds for 21. At 52 and having played some exquisite cover drives, Michaels was run out after some indecision about the prospect of a quick single.

We then saw the partnership that took the Deane past the required 104. There were the hallmarks of a Tenny Harlow innings – always looking to exploit any gap in the field, taking every run that is available by running the first run quickly – and the more robust contribution of Luke Horan pictured below) who clubbed two towering sixes in his unbeaten 30.

The eight-wicket win was a very heartening start to the 2025 campaign and the players were able to return to see the second part of the 2nd XI game v Minehead.

The visitors had posted a daunting 269 with the now legendary Deane generosity contributing 43 of those runs in Extras. Alex Chaffey came on to take the last four wickets to fall, including top scorer Chris James (65).

The Deane response was as impressive as it was encouraging. Nic Viljoen and Ged Williams-Pritchard were scoring at around the same pace until Ged simply exploded and raced to his first senior hundred. With 5 sixes and 12 fours, he expended little energy on running.

Viljoen, by now carrying a niggling injury, went for 57 after a characteristically colourful 32 from Bhuvanesh Jayaraman.

Josh Cobb (46 n.o.) played some wristy shots to a short leg side boundary as the target came into clear sight and the match was won with five overs to spare.

A large group stayed on after the light-hearted match reports to congratulate, to compliment and to speculate on what the next 17 weeks will bring. It was a good night at the Deane.

Dave Smith.