Midsomer Norton were asked to bat for the second week running on a wicket which was under-prepared due to the recent rain. Lear and Clifton ground out an opening partnership of eleven, as the Bishopston opening bowlers caused problems with the new ball.
Four wickets fell in quick succession and, at 75 for five, the visitors looked unlikely to post a challenging total.
However, Martin Cox refused to be cowed and played a remarkable innings, guiding the remaining batsmen through to the end of the innings which closed on 171 for 9. Cox reached his century in the final over with the third of his four sixes and was unbeaten on 107. Nayanah Rajh was the best of the Bishopston bowlers with figures of 3–21.
Bishopston began the chase steadily as Coombes punished the bad balls and dominated the first two partnerships. The introduction of Davis and Martin Cox to the attack then changed the complexion of the game. Davis bowled with hostility and Coombes edged him to Harvey. Cox bowled O'Brien, Davis swooped from cover to run out Nayanah Rajh and the home side was reeling at 55 for 6.
Connolly then joined Taverner and the pair put together the only half century partnership of the match to take the score to 110. Nick Pang replaced Potter, claiming the first of his three wickets to dismiss Connolly and the returning Davis bowled Taverner for 45 as the last four wickets fell for ten runs to earn Norton victory by 51 runs.
This Saturday, the Midsomer Norton CC First Team welcome Taunton to Withies Lane, while the Second Team travel to Winsley. Old Park CC are the visitors for the Third Team fixture at Somervale.
On Sunday, Lansdown provide the opposition for both the First and the Second teams, with the 1st XI fixture at Withies Lane and the 2nd XI fixture at Lansdown.