IT WAS a day of contrasting results for Temple Cloud Cricket Club on Saturday, as the 1st XI suffered a heavy defeat away at Bridgwater, while the 2nd XI delivered a confident win at home against Weston-super-Mare 3rd XI in their final fixture before the mid-season break.

Temple Cloud 1st XI travelled to Bridgwater, hoping to continue their push in the Somerset Division of the West of England Premier League, but came up short against a disciplined home side.

Bridgwater won the toss and opted to bat first, making full use of familiar conditions. Their top and middle order delivered a steady performance, rotating the strike well and punishing loose deliveries. Despite losing a few wickets in the final overs, they posted a competitive 235 for 9 from their 50 overs, built on a foundation of patient batting and intelligent running.

In reply, Temple Cloud’s innings never quite got going. Early wickets disrupted the chase and the visiting side struggled to build any lasting partnerships. Andrew Mortimer top-scored with a battling 42, but the rest of the lineup failed to provide substantial support against Bridgwater’s consistent and economical bowling attack. Temple were eventually dismissed for 143, handing Bridgwater a convincing 92-run win.

The defeat sees Temple Cloud drop to fourth in the standings, but with only seven points separating the top four sides, they remain firmly in the hunt. The squad is expected to be bolstered by the return of key players next week when they travel to Wembdon to kick off the second half of the season.

Back at the Temple Rec, the 2nd XI wrapped up the first half of their season on a high with an impressive victory over Weston-super-Mare 3rds.

After losing the toss, Temple were asked to bowl first on a hot and humid afternoon. Weston’s openers got off to a decent start, reaching 30 without loss before Appleyard struck twice in consecutive deliveries to peg them back. Brooks maintained pressure from the other end with a tidy spell, and Weston found themselves four wickets down at the first drinks break.

Temple’s bowlers continued to control the game through the middle overs. Raisbeck and Arbery bowled with accuracy and discipline, as Weston looked to push the scoring rate. Despite a few missed opportunities in the field, including several dropped catches, Temple eventually bowled the visitors out for 171 in the 38th over.

The run chase began steadily, with Comer and Haydon opening. Haydon fell gloving one behind, and Georgia Tulip impressed for Weston, removing both Comer and Head in a sharp spell. But the day belonged to Jamer Hayne, who came in to anchor the innings with a composed and fluent unbeaten 74. He was well supported by Brooks and L. Raisbeck, whose contributions ensured Temple crossed the line comfortably in the 32nd over.

As the season reaches its halfway mark, the 2nd XI will take confidence from their strong performance, while the 1st XI look to bounce back quickly in what remains a very tight league battle.