WEPL Somerset Division

North Petherton 139-6 beat Chard 138 by 4 wkts

NORTH Petherton picked up a valuable second victory of the season after an impressive display against Chard at Heathfield Park on Saturday.

Chard opted to bat upon winning the toss but were soon in trouble as Farran Gregory made opener Nathan Johnson the first of his three scalps.

Liam Winter was in miserly form at the other end, conceding just 19 runs from his eight overs, and the pressure created ensured wickets fell regularly.

Only Akhona Mbanga looked comfortable and his departure for 52, caught by Scott Laird from the bowling of Ali Zaryab Asif (2-18), left the visitors reeling on 81-7.

That was soon 95-9, Jack Rees (2-23) among the wickets, and it took a defiant rearguard action from Nathan Warren (20*) and Richard Scott (28) to lift Chard to 138.

Pethy did not make light work of the chase to begin with as Mbanga steamed in to remove both openers and leave the hosts 23-2.

Asif, who entered the fray at number three, became the key figure but, at 60-4, he needed someone to stick with him.

Winter did just that, making a vital 32, and Laird chipped in with 10 as Pethy made steady progress towards their target.

The hosts crossed the line from the final ball of the 35th over, Asif finishing unbeaten on 45 and Gregory on three.

Pethy remain at the foot of the table but now have three sides within 10 points of them.

North Petherton travel to Frome on Saturday.