Midsomer Norton rounded off their season with a home defeat to Old Bristolians Westbury in a game that encapsulated the season as a whole.

Batting first, Norton raced out of the blocks, thanks mostly to a schizophrenic innings from Nick Pang who mixed some cautious defence with some wild strokeplay as Norton rattled along at nearly six an over early on. Lear started at his typically steady pace and, with Pang making the early running, there was little need to do much else, so it was with great disappointment that he was adjudged lbw, despite there being evidence of plenty of bat involved. Martin Cox immediately got into his stride and as has been the case on many occasions this year, he made short order of the bowling attack. Pang’s free flowing innings came to an end when he feathered behind and Mosena followed shortly after, again another victim of a ‘woody’ lbw decision. Dan Cox was circumspect at first, before displaying some free flowing strokeplay to match that of his namesake at the other end. It ended, however, as he miscued to mid-on and, after an innings of typical boundary peppering, Clifton also fell, as did Potter, and with the big wicket of Martin Cox joining them following a glove down the leg side, the rest of the lower order folded and an innings that at one stage threatened 300, ended at 211 all out.

Norton went in search of early wickets but none were forthcoming. Swetman rode his luck early on, mixing fluent boundaries with some more injudicious shots, but he was rewarded for his bravery as it seemed the day was to be his. He got his side off to a great start as the score rattled along. With Leaver playing the anchor role, Swetman blazed his way to 74 before he finally met his end, edging Pang behind to Webb. After Swetman fell, Leaver began to open his shoulders more as Baker struggled at the other end. Cox soon trapped him in front and after fooling Rehman with a googly, much to the surprise of the batsman, Norton threatened to make things interesting. Tavare soon walked in front of all three stumps and when Leaver dragged on from Martin Cox, the nerves were jangling amongst the opposition. Captain King remained calm and despite a few half-chances, the total was within one boundary when Stapley was run out. It didn’t deter Penny, however, as the new batsman duly sent his first ball to the fence. Norton’s season ended on a dampener, with a sixth-placed finish in the league.

Charlie Matthews