WIVELISCOMBE lost their opening game of the season when they went down by 48 runs at home to South Petherton in Division Three of the Somerset Cricket League.

Petherton, put into bat, were bowled out for 158 in 35 overs with Kevin Harris top scoring with 40. Sam Palmer and Oliver Simpson-Barnes both scored 16.

James Hayward was Wiveliscombe’s most successful bowler, taking 4-28 while there were wickets apiece for Matthew Redwood, Richard Morrison, Johnny Farrant and Charlie Thorne.

Wiveliscombe found it even more difficult to make runs and were dismissed for 110 in 33 overs with Redwood (37) being their only batter to make any real impression. Opener Morrison scored 14 while Connor Ashworth hit 15.

Ollie Hutchings was almost unplayable, finishing his eight-over spell with 5-20. Joel Harris took 2-13 and Tom Ashley-Maguire 2-2 in one over.

Wiveliscombe are away to Spaxton in a league match on Saturday, May 10.