Methodists 157–2 v Bristol University Staff 2nds 151–9

On a showery Saturday afternoon, Norton Hill School played host to a nail-bitingly tense clash as the Methodists took on Bristol University Staff Second XI.

The home side was put in after losing the toss (again) but made a good start – Alex Nash and Mark Robinson steadily compiling 47 runs for the first wicket. Mo Rashid again bowled very well for the visitors, but it was a direct hit run-out from Hilary Frank that eventually removed Nash for 25.

David Baker then joined Robinson to put on a very handy 77-run stand for the second wicket, finally ending with Robinson (47) just short of a deserved half-century. Baker, however, was then able to reach his fifty as the Methodists pushed on to post a competitive 157–2 at tea.

After the break, the Uni Staff’s innings never really caught fire, but opener Aaron James (45) was able to stick around and keep the runs coming at a steady rate, even though he was regularly losing batting partners.

Baker and Robinson bowled well for the Methodists and the fielding side stayed in the match as wickets steadily fell. Suresh Moorthy (32*) kept the game in the balance into the last few overs, but eventually the loss of wickets swung the way of the home team. Together, Stuart Green and Daniel Shearn (4–34), were able to close out the innings and clinch a narrow victory for the

Methodists at the end of a very evenly balanced contest.

Next Methodists’ fixture: Saturday, 10th July – Lodway Seconds (Away).

Daniel Shearn