MIDSOMER NORTON 249-6 KEYNSHAM 151
Last Saturday, Midsomer Norton moved into the top half of the WEPL Prem Two table after defeating a Keynsham side without a win in 2019.
Three wins out of four is a good return so far, but Norton know that there will be some tough games to come as the season progresses.
Under sunny skies, Norton skipper, Nick Pang, won the toss and decided to bat. Pang went early, but Nick Cox, initially supported by Paul Robbins (42), got Norton going. Jake Rowe joined Cox and both passed the half-century mark as Norton made steady progress. Cox was dismissed for 55 and the innings stuttered until Chris Hampshire gave some impetus to the innings in the final few overs and Norton closed on 249-6. Player/coach, Rowe, was undefeated on 61.
Norton’s attack put the visitors under pressure from the start, and Keynsham were never able to seriously chase down the target set by the home side. The initial incursions were made by Gary Filer (3-37). Keynsham’s lower order offered some resistance at times and held Norton up but the home side secured their victory with maximum bowling and batting points. There were also wickets for Hampshire and Martin Cox.
This Saturday, 1st June, Norton visit Ilminster, who sit one place and eight points behind Norton in WEPL Prem Two. The game starts at 12.30 p.m.
At Withies Lane on Saturday, Long Ashton are the Second XI’s opponents, while the Third XI travel to Bradley Stoke. Both games start at 1.30 p.m.
Charlie Matthews