Twyford House won the toss and elected to bat first. Openers Mark Fowler (26) and Chris Sherring (9) made a steady start against Andy Cox (1-17) and Nick Potter (1-49) before Fowler was dismissed with the score on 37.
Nick Pang replaced Potter in the attack and wickets fell at regular intervals until a fifth wicket stand of 54 between Zoravar Singh (48) and James Norris (12). Chris Hampshire (3-35) trapped Norris LBW and a change of ends for Nick Cox (1-57) saw him account for Singh. Hampshire picked up two further wickets in his penultimate over, but Josh Sutton (33 n.o.) and Ashley Pooley (23) provided stubborn resistance and put on 52 for the last wicket to set a target of 212 for the visitors.
Norton’s openers, Nick Pang (15) and Alex Lear (30), scored freely at the start of the innings, but both were dismissed by the eleventh over. The previous week’s middle order collapse was averted however, as Martin Cox (94 n.o.) featured in stands of 75 and 60 with Dean Clifton (34) and Jon Harvey (22), guiding the visitors to victory by six wickets – an excellent all round team effort.
Now in fourth place in the table, this Saturday, Midsomer Norton’s First XI welcome Bristol to Withies Lane where the game will start at 12.30 p.m. Also on Saturday, Midsomer Norton’s Seconds will be seeking to extend their lead at the top of the Bristol and District Cricket Association’s Fourth Division after last weekend’s exciting last over victory against Twyford House, in which Toby Hobbs carried his bat through the Norton innings and scored a century. The Seconds travel to Congresbury for their fixture. The Third XI have a home fixture against Whitchurch.
Charlie Matthews