STAPLEGROVE begin their Monmouth Somerset League (Premier Division) campaign at home to Minehead 2nds on Saturday, looking to bounce straight back up to the West of England Premier League.

The Grove had a miserable 2018, winning just one of 18 league matches, but look well set to compete at the top end of their new level.

They are joined in the Premier Division by Taunton St Andrew’s 2nds, who are looking to replicate Taunton Deane’s achievement in having two senior sides at WEPL level.

Trull will be playing in Division 2 this season as they hope to continue their momentum following a memorable couple of years.

Having romped to the Division 3 title last year to complete back-to-back promotions, Trull will be expecting some tougher matches this summer, starting with Saturday’s opener at Bridgwater 3rds.

Also in Division 2 are Taunton 2nds, who travel to Purnell on Saturday.

Watchet again line up in Division 3 after a mid-table season last time out - they welcome Uphill Castle 2nds on Saturday.

There has already been one match in the Somerset League, with Wellington 3rds versus Crewkerne 2nds taking place last Saturday, one week before the full programme starts.

Wellington beat their by 68 runs in Division 7 South, as Sam Nelson (53) laid a platform for Somerset director of cricket Andy Hurry (31*) and Rob Moysey (22*) to take the hosts to 193-5.

In reply, Hurry took 2-13, Connor Wickenden’s slow left-arm spin claimed 2-32 and Moysey found himself on a hat-trick as Wellington claimed 33 points from the match.

Somerset County Gazette:

CHANCE...

Somerset County Gazette:

GONE. Wellington 3rd XI player Trevor Brookes survives a caught and bowled chance against Crewkerne 2nds. Pics: Steve Richardson

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IN the West Somerset League, reigning champions Holford are out to defend their Division 1 crown.

The club were rocked by a burglary in December but Holford’s players have recently cycled from their home ground to Lord’s to raise money for repairs and new equipment.

The current total raised stands at just shy of £3,000 - to donate, visit the JustGiving page.

They begin their Division 1 campaign at newly-promoted Bagborough on Saturday, while Wiveliscombe - who finished just a point behind Holford last season - open up at home to another newly-promoted side, North Curry.

In Division 2, Over Stowey - who narrowly missed out on promotion last season - begin their quest to go one better as they welcome Stoodleigh on Saturday.

Relegated Sampford Arundel host last year’s Division 3 champions Brompton Ralph.

In Division 3, Taunton - relegated last season - face a tricky opening trip to Cannington.

The top two in last season’s Division 5, Stoke St Gregory and Fitzhead, begin life in Division 4 by facing each other on Saturday, while Brompton Ralph 2nds and Over Stowey 2nds each play this Saturday and Sunday in Division 5.