Somerset Over 60s (200-7) Australia Over 60s (234-9) – Australia Over 60s won by 34 runs.
A decent-sized crowd watched a well contested game of cricket at Withies Lane on the first Monday in July, when Midsomer Norton hosted the Somerset Over 60s v Australia Over 60s fixture.
The temperature dipped slightly after the weekend and Australia were first to the wicket. The tourists’ skipper Mark Gaskell got off to a lightning start, striking three boundaries in the first over of the 45 over match, but he was the first to depart at 32-1. Somerset then bowled and fielded steadily to put themselves on top with Australia 83-5. The first four wickets fell to excellent catches, two of which were taken by Norton’s Ian Locke and Graham Poulton. Stands of 46 and 57 then helped put Australia in the driving seat and an unbeaten last wicket stand of 34 meant that the visitors finished on 234-9. Richardson finished on 71 not out and Midsomer Norton’s Ian Locke finished with 1-41.
The Australians bowled well and straight at the start of the Somerset innings to restrict scoring opportunities. Four wickets had fallen for 64 runs by the end of the 21st over but Newport (41) and Fear (51) then counter attacked to give Somerset some hope of victory, but Somerset eventually fell short by 34 runs.
Midsomer Norton has hosted representative fixtures for the Somerset Women’s and Somerset Over 60s sides in recent seasons and hosting a game involving an Australian touring side is further recognition that the club can provide a venue for quality cricket matches and teams.
Charlie Matthews