TOP GUNS Bristol Mavericks piled up more than 300 runs in beating visitors to Bath Midsomer Norton Methodists, who are close to the two relegation slots, on another hot day by 184 runs.

The hosts batted first, openers Koushik Puliyamgote and Vinay Kumar getting their team off to a great start, bringing up a century stand in the 18th over, and all without giving a hint of a chance.

It took just ten more overs for iceman Koushik and wingman Vinay to double the score, picking the gaps and exploiting the lightning-fast outfield to exasperate the Methodists' bowling attack. Eventually Koushik's fine knock of 134 from 100 deliveries was ended when Craig Eyles snaffled a boundary catch off the bowling of son Logan (1-27) that almost took your breath away.

With the mammoth first-wicket stand of 233 as a platform, the rest of the Mavericks' batters had license to swing hard at everything. Mark Robinson, however, who was bowling a tidy spell, claimed three quick wickets before finally picking up the big prize of Vinay (102 from 97 balls), for the day's best figures of 4-29. Ultimately though, the Mavs' total of 317-6 would prove insurmountable for the Norton side.

Setting out after tea to salvage some batting points from the situation, several players got starts, but only a few really got settled in. Robinson chipped in with 13, adding 32 for the second wicket with Craig (23) before Faisal Mushtaq (29) and Logan (11) put on an important 42 for the fifth. A final total of 133-7 gave the Methodists a vital couple of points, keeping them - for now - out of the danger zone. Scores: Bristol Mavericks 317-6, Methodists 133-7.

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