WATCHET begin the defence of their title in the first division of the West Somerset Cricket League when they play away to Kilve on Saturday, May 2.

The champions, who were without a match last weekend, finished 24 points clear of last season’s runners up Ashbrittle. They have been the star team in recent years, having won successive championships. They were playing fourth division cricket only four seasons ago.

Ashbrittle, the 2024 champions, also play their first game of the season - away to local rivals Sampford Arundel who finished second in Division Two last season.

Crowcombe, who won the second division last summer, begin life in the top flight with an away game against Bagborough.

Brompton Ralph, relegated from Division One at the end of last season, begin their bid to get back into the top division with an away fixture against Over Stowey.

Third division winners Hemyock entertain Stoke St Mary following their promotion to the second division.

Fixtures for Saturday, May 2, Division One: Bagborough v Crowcombe, Kilve v Watchet, Morebath v Bridgetown, Over Stowey v Brompton Ralph, Sampford Arundel v Ashbrittle. Division Two: Churchinford v Cutcombe, Hemyock v Stoke St Mary, Roadwater v Winsford, Stogumber v Cannington. Division Three: Carhampton v Minehead, Stoodleigh v Fitzhead, Wiveliscombe v Buckland St Mary & Bishopswood. Division Four: Brompton Ralph v Stogumber, East Huntspill v Morebath, Spaxton v Taunton Deane, Stoke St Mary v Roadwater.

May 9, Division One: Ashbrittle v Kilve, Bidgetown v Sampford Arundel, Brompton Ralph v Bagborough, Crowcombe v Over Stowey, Watchet v Morebath. Division Two: Cannington v Lydeard St Lawrence, Cutcombe v Roadwater, Stoke St Mary v Stogumber, Winsford v Churchinford. Division Three: Buckland St Mary & Bishopswood v Ashbrittle, Fitzhead v Wiveliscombe, Morebath v Stoodleigh, Over Stowey v Carhampton. Division Four: Morebath v Brompton Ralph, Roadwater v East Huntspill, Stogumber v Spaxton.