CLEVEDON 3rds 93-3 METHODISTS 87 all-out
The Methodists travelled down to Clevedon School to play unbeaten Clevedon 3rds, who were comfortably top of the BDCA Division Ten table.
Batting first, the visitors had a reasonable start with Alex Nash and Mark Robinson putting on 23 against the zippy bowling of Jake Brand and Louie Woodlands – the pair conceding only 31 runs in ten overs, before being replaced by some altogether more hostile bowlers. Quicker and more aggressive, Joe Childs and Ali Balcombe were soon into the Methodists’ batting line-up, and the wickets began to fall with some regularity – 31-for-1 becoming 47-for-4 after sixteen overs.
James Green briefly counter-attacked, but a double-strike for Balcombe in the twentieth over saw the Methodists back in trouble at 67-for-6 at the drinks break. Another twenty runs were then added in three overs by Green (19) and ‘keeper, Dave Sackett, before a Balcombe hat-trick saw the quick bowler record figures of 7-24. Jack Houston then wrapped the innings up for just 87 with the next delivery – the visitors losing their last four wickets in four balls.
After a quick turnaround, both teams went back out and Clevedon set about a ferocious run-chase. Ben Keysall smashed 20 off ten balls before being caught on the
boundary, while opening partner, Ben Hussey, remained at the crease throughout – his 59 runs guiding the hosts to a comfortable victory. Craig Eyles’ accurate spin briefly slowed Clevedon down, but a final straight six from Balcombe finished the game after just 12.1 overs of the second innings, with the home side completing a resounding seven-wicket demolition job.
Daniel Shearn