For the second week running, Midsomer Norton Cricket Club First XI suffered a heavy defeat, this time at the hands of league leaders, Bristol.

In a match reduced to 21 overs per side because of the weather, Norton won the toss and decided to field. It proved to be a costly decision, as in just 21 overs, the home side made 204 runs for the loss of just four wickets.

Norton used seven bowlers. Jake Rowe was the most successful taking 3–32. Josh Sutton was the only other wicket taker. Nic Halstead-Cleak starred for Bristol, scoring 104 off just 69 balls.

Chasing down a target with a required run rate of almost ten per over was always going to be a challenge and, in truth, Norton were never really in the race, losing wickets at regular intervals. There were no partnerships of note and Gary Filer (21) top scored.

Norton batted out their allotted overs to finish on 89–8 and lost by 115 runs.

This Saturday, they will be hoping to put these two bad defeats behind them when they take on Bath at Withies Lane.

At Withies Lane last Saturday, the Second XI enjoyed a comfortable five wicket win over Portishead. The home side won the toss and asked the visitors to bat first.

With only one run on the scoreboard, three wickets were down and despite a half-hearted recovery of sorts, Norton were always on top, Portishead being dismissed for 87, with 15 extras.

There were three wickets each for Niel Brooks, Melvin Lawrence and Martin Cox. Norton were on the back foot at 33–3 but won by five wickets, Jon Ablett scoring 42.

This Saturday, the Seconds visit Lansdown while the Third XI take on Carsons and Mangotsfield.

Charlie Matthews