Midsomer Norton are back in the winners’ circle, having compiled their highest total of the season in a 115-run victory over Chew Magna on Saturday.
Playing at Withies Lane, Norton made 266-9 from their 50 overs, although it wasn’t without its issues as the top order again failed to deliver. Martin Cox gave a stark reminder of his quality with 75 batting at six, rescuing the side after they slumped to 85-5. Cox started to find his way in Norton’s previous home game, but on Saturday he looked more like his old self. On a wicket that offered a large amount of seam movement to the bowlers, Cox’s foot movement and hitting square of the wicket saw him counter the bowling, making it look easy at times. Jon Harvey (25) and Nick Potter (50) provided ample support in the lower order as the batsmen rotated the strike while capitalising on any poor bowling.
Chew Magna were always going to struggle, chasing 267 for victory on a green wicket, and strike bowler Andy Cox had Norton underway early in removing opener David Lawrence for a duck. The only real resistance for Chew Magna came from an entirely predictable source, with Stuart Watson their main man with the bat. Coming in at four, Watson has accounted for more than a third of Chew Magna’s total runs this season, belting three centuries and three fifties. With little support at the other end, Watson did his best to counter Norton’s bowling attack but eventually fell for 37, playing on when facing Niel Brooks. The tail showed some fight for Chew Magna, Jamie Dawson scoring a quick 25 with some agricultural shot selection. Andy Cox ended with three wickets, while Nick Pang and Niel Brooks took two apiece.
The emphatic league victory came just a few days after a 92-run win against Cleeve in the Bristol and District Cricket Association 20 over KO competition. Norton scored 198-6 in their 20 overs, with Ben Strang (71) top scoring. The only serious resistance for Cleeve came from opener Mitchell Want who scored 35. Nick Cox took 4-31 in his five overs. Norton now have a home quarter-final tie against Pak Bristolians on Wednesday, 5 July to look forward to.
This Saturday fourth-placed Midsomer Norton visit table-topping Winterbourne. The game starts at 1 p.m. On the same day, at Withies Lane, the Second XI, after last week’s 53-run win over Twyford House, take on St Mary Redcliffe CC. The Third XI are also at home against Carsons & Mangotsfield CC. Both games start at 1.30 p.m. On Sunday, having beaten previous league leaders Bitton last weekend, the Sunday XI travel to Bradley Stoke at the head of the league table.
Charlie Matthews