Alex Lear (77 not out) continued his fine form as he carried his bat and provided the backbone of a disappointing total of 170 for the home side. Norton chose to bat first, but tight bowling and rash shots meant that Lear was largely unsupported in his efforts. Young Ben Parker bowled an excellent spell of 3–36 in ten overs and all five Winterbourne bowlers picked up wickets.
The Winterbourne innings began steadily and Norton claimed two quick wickets, but Chris Kislingbury (22) and Matt Crane (27) added 42 for the third wicket. Jon Oakes (70 n.o.) then dominated the later bowling in stands of 52 and 51 with Crane and George Ford (23) to guide Winterbourne to victory by five wickets. This result sees Norton drop to fifth in the table as they prepare for this Saturday’s visit to Frenchay, two places below.
Frenchay also provide the opposition for Midsomer Norton’s 2nd XI at Withies Lane this Saturday, starting at 1.30 p.m. Last weekend, the 2nd XI secured a great win at Chew Magna which meant that the Withies Lane side made up ground and points on one of the teams above them in the table. One senior Norton player commented that the bowling performance against Chew Magna was the best by the team for four years or more. Harrison Veale’s 61 not out helped secure the six wicket victory.
Also on Saturday, the 3rd XI are at home to Mells and the Sunday side have an away fixture against Kilmersdon.
Before the weekend, Midsomer Norton’s U19 Greencaps side play two games at Withies Lane – on Thursday v Bath Swords and on Friday v Kilmington Eagles. Both games start at 6.15 p.m. On top of the cricket, there will be music, BBQ and a well-stocked bar awaiting the fans. Entry is free and all members and non-members are welcome to come on down! Charlie Matthews