METHODISTS went down by 83 runs away to Saltford Fairway on a sweltering hot day.

The home side won the toss and asked the visitors to field first under the hot sun. Fairway’s plan would be all out attack, with the ball quickly flying to all parts!

The Methodists struck early though, Daniel Shearn (2-55) claiming the prized wickets of big-hitting Rob Bailey, then the in-form Jake Evans-Jones, both in single figures. The respite was only brief, as brothers Wes and Aiden Taynton made hay, racking up a stand of 123 runs in 17 overs. Aiden (69) was eventually removed by Charlotte Hazell, who then caught Wes (56) off the bowling of Mark Robinson (2-24), slowing Saltford's progress.

Their young middle-order then scored steadily, but late wickets from Logan Eyles (2-27) and great commitment from the weary fielders limited the hosts to a still-challenging 245-9 at tea.

After a break in the shade, the Methodists began their innings needing six-an-over, a task Alex Nash looked up to, as the visitors reached 69-1 in ten overs. However Nash - having scored 60 of those runs - was then trapped LBW by Evans-Jones, turning the match on its head. Chasing the win suddenly became picking up batting points, as thoughts of victory evaporated in the heat.

Keeper/batter Dave Sacket (14) helped add 22 before Evans-Jones (3-43) struck again, but Paul Evans and the returning James Sackett knuckled down to build a partnership of 54 in 16 overs. Sackett (24*) limped off at 150-5 and Evans (17) was then finally snared by Aiden Taynton (2-16), but the Methodists were able to post a respectable 162-6, Saltford winning by a comfortable maargin. Saltford Fairway 245-9, Methodists 162-6.

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