MIDSOMER NORTON 235-7 BISHOPSTON 101

Despite the previous day’s heavy rain, last Saturday’s game at Withies Lane started on time, and visitors, Bishopston, decided to field first, having won the toss.

Robbins was dismissed early, but his opening partner, John Carroll, struck the ball firmly from the start. Batting partners came and went, but Carroll progressed to a half century in quick time, and had scored 75 by the time he was dismissed, with the score 126-5.

Nick Pang initially backed Carroll up and then struck out himself, scoring 38 before leaving the crease, with Norton 167-7. Chris Hampshire joined Josh Sutton, and the pair scored quickly in the final overs of the innings to take the home side to 235-7; their unbeaten partnership of 68 runs being the best of the innings. Hampshire finished on 41 not-out, Sutton 28 not-out.

Having posted a big total, Norton went out to field in a confident frame of mind, and the opening attack of Gary Filer (2-25) and Dan Chard (3-13) put the visitors on the back-foot from the start. The first four wickets fell for 12 runs, and only Jamie Tapper (53

not-out) offered any real resistance to the Norton bowlers.

Filer and Chard bowled their overs unchanged to leave Bishopston 42/5 off twenty overs. Wickets fell at regular intervals and the visitors just made it to three figures before being bowled out for 101.

Norton won by 134 runs, having won by the narrowest of margins the previous week at Weston. Chris Hampshire, Jake Rowe and Josh Sutton were the other wicket takers.

Victory pushes Norton above Bishopston into third place in WEPL Prem Two. This Saturday, 27th July, Midsomer Norton make the short trip to local rivals, Keynsham. The game starts at 12.30 p.m.

This Saturday, the Second XI take on Pakistani Express at Withies Lane. The game starts at 1.30 p.m. The Seconds’ margin of victory last weekend was 68 runs, when they defeated St Mary Redcliffe.

Luke Justin was out just two runs short of a century as Norton scored 206-8. Harrison Veale, Chris Phylips, Max Bartlett,

Andrew Cox and Iain Locke took the wickets as the home side were dismissed for 138. The Third XI have a home game against Alveston.

Charlie Matthews