METHODISTS’ final cricket game of 2025 was the traditional season closing charity match against their club captain Jim Eyles' XI. Hosted by Midsomer Norton CC, Methodists won by eight wickets but, more importantly, money raised from teas will be going to Alzheimer's Research - over £600 at time of writing.

Eyles' captain David Baker opted to bat first and, despite an early wicket, runs were soon flowing - Chris Dunn (Dinder) and Jack Hewish (Purnells CC) stroking the ball to all parts as they put on 95 in just 11 overs. Ish Fairoz, giving it full gas, removed Dunn (54) and then Hewish (50) too, putting the brakes on the scoring. Stuart Green and Iain Locke (MNCC) momentarily steadied things, but then Craig Eyles picked up two quick wickets and Jim's XI were under pressure again.

Thiaan Aspeling (Bath CC) calmly added 58 runs in 10 overs, before Green (15*) retired injured and Aspeling then departed for a fluent 47. Skipper Baker (21*) then took charge to guide his team to a competitive 212 from their 40 overs, before everyone paused for the extended tea interval.

After the break, Methodists got their run-chase underway with Alex Nash and Mark Robinson putting on a quick 61 for the first wicket. Hewish, bowling with plenty of zip, then found a way through Robinson's defences in the ninth over, bringing Craig Eyles to the middle. He and Nash added a rapid 110 as the bowling side explored all their options, before first Nash (102*) and then Eyles (50*) both retired with just 22 more runs required. Richard Brand and Logan Eyles then swiftly finished the job - the Methodists reaching their target with a comfortable 15 overs to spare. JAH Eyles XI 212-8 , Methodists 215-2.

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