On the first proper sunny day of the summer last Saturday, Midsomer Norton Cricket Club First XI secured their first win of the season in a fairly comfortable fashion against Bath Seconds.

Having made the short journey to Bath, Norton won the toss and decided to bat. Finding themselves 39–3 before the end of the sixth over, the visitors might have started to doubt the wisdom of batting first, but Norton’s middle order provided some stability and two half

century partnerships involving Jake Rowe (79) – firstly with Nick Cox (28) and then Caleb Rowe (42) – got Norton close to the 200 mark. Then, John Carroll struck 45 runs from 24 balls to help Norton reach 269 all out.

After tea, Bath made goodish progress and were 83–1 at the end of the 24th over when Robbins and Sutton struck to take three wickets in the next two overs. These bowlers continued their destructive work and the momentum stayed with Midsomer Norton. The home side were all out for 141, Midsomer Norton winning by 128 runs.

Robbins finished with 3–39 and Sutton 6–35.

The good weather didn’t bring the same good fortune to the club’s other teams, the Second and Third XIs both suffering defeats.

This Saturday, the First and Second XIs both play

Bishopston. The First XI fixture is at Withies Lane, starting at 12.30pm. The Third XI play Patchway at home.

Charlie Matthews