NEWLY-promoted Midsomer Norton Methodists gained a 75-run home victory over Keynsham’s Taverners in their first league fixture of the season at a pleasantly sunny Norton Hill.

Before the game got underway, both teams gathered to remember the late Maureen Eyles and the huge contribution she made to the life of the Methodists CC - husband and long-time captain Jim Eyles relating some cherished memories, going right back to the club's formation from the Redfield Road Christian Endeavour in 1949.

When play got underway, Taverners - having inserted the home side - bowled tidily to keep the opening batters from getting away. After a solid start of 27 runs in 8 overs, the accuracy of Oliver Shirley (1-15) and Dave Adams then told - the Methodists stumbling slightly to 64-4 by the innings' midpoint. A valuable partnership between the newly rejuvenated David Baker (60) and the experienced Stuart Green (33) then added an up-tempo 81 runs in 13 overs - only the returning Adams (4-26) finally ending their fun. A swashbuckling late cameo from keeper-batter Dave Sackett (22 not out) then bumped the final total to a competitive 176-7.

After tea, the Methodists' bowlers struck some vital early blows - James Green (2-14), Daniel Shearn and Paul Evans all claiming wickets. The visitors' skipper George Amos almost single-handedly held the Taverners' innings together, but a perilous 63-4 then quickly became 77-7, as Mark Robinson (3-6) decimated the middle-order batting and trapped the valiant Amos for 41.

With the match virtually in the bag, Charlotte Hazell (2-11) and Ish Fairoz delivered the last rites - Tavreners all out for 101, sealing a victory which was dedicated to much-missed supporter Maureen.

Methodists' Ball Sponsor - HCL Fasteners. Methodists' Player Sponsors - Bath Potters' Supplies, Westsell Packaging, Molehill Construction, Timber Games.

M N Methodists 176-7, Taveners CC 101 all out