Midsomer Norton’s First XI secured their first win of the season at a higher level last Saturday with a 51-run victory over Taunton at Withies Lane.
On a lovely, sunny day, Midsomer Norton won the toss and – not surprisingly – decided to bat. Without any partnership or any batsman, reaching the fifty-run milestone, it was a process of steady accumulation that helped the home side reach a respectable total before the tea break. The top scorers were former skipper, Nick Potter (48), and Dan Nolan (44 not-out). Nolan came in when Potter was out, fifth wicket down, so these two ensured that Norton’s batsmen used up 49 of the fifty overs available to reach 238 all-out. William Abell, brother of current Somerset skipper, Tom Abell, took 4-42 for the visitors.
The home side’s bowling attack were soon among the wickets and the visitors were reduced to 29-4, with skipper, Nick Pang, taking two. Taunton’s middle order offered some resistance with skipper, Hugh Kelly (83), the last man out, but the visitors were unable to offer much resistance to Norton’s Hashan Gunathilaka, recently arrived from Sri Lanka, who took 5-31 in less than ten overs. This result and performance should put Norton in the right frame of mind for next week’s trip to top-of-the-table Weston-super-Mare, who have a 100% record so far this season.
At Withies Lane on Saturday, starting at 1.30 p.m., the Second XI take on Twyford House, and the Third XI visit Bedminster. The Sunday XI visit Hanham.
On Sunday, the Women’s team – Midsomer Mavericks, who are always on the lookout for new players – play their next round of fixtures at Street. A week later, on Sunday, 3rd June (1.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.), there is a Women’s cricket festival at Withies Lane. More information at: ecb.co.uk/womenssoftballcricket.
Dates and times of all the Mavericks’ fixtures – and all other club fixtures – can be found at: http://midsomernorton.play-cricket.com
Charlie Matthews