Although delayed initially by rain – reducing the match to 30 overs per side – the game at Withies Lane got going in sunshine, as Jim Eyles decided his team would like to field first.
The Methodists again suffered an early loss, but Alex Nash (30) and James Green (23) put on a healthy 39 runs for the second wicket, before Luke Justin (2-22) sent them both back to the pavilion.
The Meths maintained a steady run-rate, but wickets continued to fall regularly, as first Roy Bobbett (2-30) and then Richard Jordan (2-36) showed that spin was the way to go. Once again, Stuart Green was the mainstay of the batting, his 42 setting up the innings, before James Sackett and Daniel Shearn brought up the 150 off the final ball – the Methodists posting a competitive 151 for 8.
After a terrific tea, in aid of the Stroke Association, the Eyles XI sent out Robin Cray (24) and Wayne Higgins (22), who set about knocking off the runs required. The pair had added 39 in ten overs, before Josh Potter (2-16) eventually broke through, bringing the dangerous Thiaan Aspeling to the crease. He had moved quickly on to 19, with the home team looking well set, when the drizzle that had recently started falling suddenly became a torrential downpour, sending the players running for the covers, and bringing a premature end to proceedings – the match being abandoned as a draw after 16.4 overs.
Many thanks go to Midsomer Norton Cricket Club for again hosting an enjoyable afternoon, the many helpers who supplied the fantastic tea, and to all who came and supported both teams.
Daniel Shearn