Taunton’s two leading cricketing sides Taunton Deane and Taunton St Andrews, who both compete in Premier One of the West of England Premier Division, suffered away defeats in the first round of matches this season.

Newly promoted Taunton St Andrews faced a tough assignment against  Bridgwater at The Parks and were well beaten by 133 runs.

Choosing to bat, at one stage the hosts found themselves 105 for six, but recovered to reach 256 all out in 49.9 overs, thanks to 63 from Will Williams, 53 from Mike Coles and an unbeaten 20 from bowler Alfie Ogbourne.

For the Saints Matt Lieberman claimed three for 42 and skipper Justin Burke three for 34.

In reply the visitors struggled and were bowled out for 123 in 29 overs, Jay Terry with 19 the top scorer. For Bridgwater Will Williams took four for 37 from seven overs.

Taunton Deane made the trip to Wiltshire to face last years runners up Potterne who asked them to bat first. Deane found themselves 18 for three but recovered to reach 177 for six thanks to 41 from Edward Middleton, who found himself involved in every aspect of the game.

Scott Thomas with 75 and an unbeaten 30 from Edward Mellor allowed Deane post 247 for nine from their 50 overs, Basil Akram with four for 47 off 10 the pick of the bowlers.

In reply the Potterne openers put on 140 before Wesley Coulentianos was LBW to Middleston for 51. The same bowler then accounted for Akram for 21, caught by Harry Smith and later ran out Jake Goodwin, but not before he had played a match winning innings is 151 with 17 fours and 11 sixes to see his side to a seven wicket victory.

Both teams return to home turf on Saturday, but it doesn't get any easier because Saints host Bath who last Saturday amassed 447 for four from their 50 overs, while Deane are at home to Thornbury who posted 386 for four.