Midsomer Norton CC's winning start to the season came to an abrupt halt last Saturday at Brislington.
The home team batted first and a century opening partnership from Paul Hawken (58) and Brislington stalwart, Richard Ollis (40) got them off to a great start. Wickets then fell at regular intervals and were shared around amongst the Norton attack (Andrew Cox 1–39, Mitchell Turner 2–53, Martin Cox 2–35 and Sam Gould 2–40). Brislington's innings closed on 216–9.
Norton's openers were dismissed early on, but Martin Cox and Skipper, Nick Potter, steadied the ship and the visitors progressed to 81–3. Potter then lost his wicket and Norton's collapse was such that the last seven wickets fell for just fourteen runs.
The result means that leaders, Brislington, are now the only unbeaten team in the division. Norton are nineteen points behind in third place.
This Saturday, the First XI take on Frenchay at Withies Lane, while the Second XI travel to Lechlade in Gloucestershire. The Third XI host Stratton on the Fosse 2nd XI at Somervale.
Filton Wayfarers provide the opposition for the Sunday Firsts (again at Withies Lane) at the same time as the Sunday Seconds visit Hampset.
Easton Cowboys CC FIRST XI 175–6
Midsomer Norton CC THIRD XI 173–6
Playing at the Cowboys' home ground at Farmborough, MNCC's Third XI were put in to bat by the home Skipper, Higgins. Norton started slowly, but Steve Green (55), Chris Howard (37) and Luke Justin (37) ensured that the visitors posted a respectable target of 173–6 against a good bowling attack. Davey was pick of the bowlers, with 3–34.
In the field, Norton made the Cowboys work hard for their runs and, with the score at 87–4, Norton were in with a good chance of victory. The home side stuck to the task though and secured victory in the penultimate over. Of the bowlers, Steve Green and Jake Beale ended with figures of 1–18 and Luke Justin took 2–39.