The Methodists’ final game of a successful season saw them travel to Midsomer Norton’s Withies Lane ground (beautifully prepared as always by Phil Mortimer) to take on the invited eleven of Meths’ Club Captain, Jim Eyles. The morning rain having dissipated, Jim decided to bat first, but his side were soon in trouble, as they lost Robin Cray and Wayne Higgins in successive overs as the new ball darted around.

This became 20–3 in the sixth over as James Sackett (3–25) struck again with the assistance of the agile Roger Howe to dismiss the experienced Rich Jordan, leaving the Eyles XI in danger of collapse.

Fortunately, remaining opener, Thiaan Aspeling and Norton’s finest, Paul Justin, then combined to see Jim’s team through this rocky patch – the pair adding 39 in eight overs before Thiaan (24) offered a return catch to James Green and had to depart, being quickly replaced by Bath CC team-mate, Beth Howe.

A solid partnership of 48 then saw Justin and Howe getting the home side back in the game as multiple bowling changes were employed to try and unstick them. However, it was an inspired piece of fielding which eventually made the difference, as James Sackett’s direct hit ran out Howe for a handy 25. Justin (42) quickly followed as he hit Josh Potter (2–33) straight to Green, while the lower order all succeeded in holing out to the well-placed fielders without really troubling the scorer (Julie Justin). This left last pair, Bernard Haddrell and skipper, Jim Eyles to see out the final couple of overs and help the home side post a modest 146–9 at the break.

After another fantastic tea (many thanks to all involved), the Methodists’ opening batsman, Roger Howe, found himself facing the bowling of daughter, Beth and future son-in-law, Thiann. Fellow opener, Alex Nash was the first wicket to fall, however, as having weathered the storm of Howe and Aspeling, he sliced the spin of Rich Jordan to the waiting John Baker,having helped add 34 for the first wicket. Beth quickly removed the next batsman, caught by Wayne Higgins, before Steve Green trapped Howe Sr. LBW to leave the visitors on 40–3 in the eleventh over.

Solidity was then restored to the innings by David Baker and James Green, as they put on 38 in eight overs, before Green was stumped and Haddrell bowled Roy Bobbett, leaving Baker to guide the Methodists home.

Adding 42 in six overs with Potter and then a further 30 with Sackett, Baker (65*) was at his unstoppable best and saw the team to their target with nine overs remaining, rounding off a very enjoyable afternoon and a fitting end to a fine year’s cricket.

Finally, a big thank you to the band of travelling fans who have supported the Methodists during the 2016 season, helping them to a great third place in Division Twelve of the BDCA in their first year in a new league. See you in 2017!

Daniel Shearn