JAH Eyles ‘XI 153 all out v Methodists 156-4

The final game of the season was a friendly affair between the Methodists and a side selected by Club Captain Jim Eyles, played at Midsomer Norton CC’s Withies Lane ground.

After both sides had observed a minute’s silence in tribute to the late monarch, Jim’s XI batted first having won the toss, MNCC’s Robin Cray and Chilcompton Sports’ Chris Dunn making a steady start until Dunn was beaten by the pace of Bath CC’s Jamie Kerr (on loan to the Methodists). Eyles’ skipper Thiaan Aspeling (also Bath CC) then came to the wicket and looked assured from the off, adding a few more runs with Cray, before then putting on a valuable 61 with new batter Wayne Higgins.

After the break, Methodists’ captain James Green (3-18) removed his opposite number for 31 before running out Higgins (35) two balls later. His next over saw another wicket fall, while sister Darcey Green (2-38), and then Paul Evans and Matt Kerr, inflicted further damage to reduce the Eyles XI to a disastrous 107-8 - a collapse of six wickets for twenty runs! Fortunately for the batting side, the experienced Iain Locke (26*) and Bath CC’s Beth Aspeling then dug deep and added a vital 41 runs for the ninth wicket - a final total of 153 all out at tea giving them something to bowl at.

A sumptuous spread was then enjoyed by both teams and spectators (over £400 to charity), after which the Methodists set about their run chase. David Baker (31) gave the team a great start, before a trio of wickets for MNCC’s Phil Mortimer, Iain Locke and Lansdown CC’s Sam Bowery then slowed the Methodists’ progress. Some great batting by Craig Eyles and captain Green then wrested back control of the game with an impressive stand of 97 in 15 overs.

Green retired on 60 not out but, despite a late wicket for older brother Gavin Eyles, Craig (34*) saw the Methodists to a comfortable six-wicket win to round off an enjoyable afternoon, and also the 2022 season.