Midsomer Norton First XI made a statement with a crushing win at Old Bristolians Westbury last weekend.
Winning the toss under sunny skies, returning Skipper, Potter, had no hesitation in choosing to bat first on a dry pitch that was expected to deteriorate.
As in the previous week, things did not begin as planned, as both Lear and Nick Cox fell early again. To continue the theme, however, Clifton and Martin Cox began to build another healthy partnership as they found the gaps on a quick outfield. Cox reached fifty again as his outstanding season continued and it was a surprise when Clifton (39) was bowled by Old Bristolians' best bowler on the day, Hanna (3–49). Pang came and went, but Potter joined Cox and continued the run scoring. After six half-centuries, Cox finally brought up three figures for the first time this season in a chanceless innings. He then fell for exactly 100, looking for quick runs, but Potter pushed through to his fifty, assisted by Blackmore (19 not out), as Norton ended on 241–6, an imposing total on a track that was clearly becoming more bowler friendly.
With some grey clouds circling, Norton went in search of quick wickets and Andy Cox obliged when Leaver played on second ball. After three probing overs from Voigt, Pang (1–35) entered the attack as Norton had one eye on bowling the 25 overs needed for a completed game if the rain came.
Cox continued a fantastic probing line with some assistance from a crumbling pitch. Wickets tumbled and Cox wrapped up a first five-wicket haul of the season, finishing with extraordinary figures of five wickets for just five runs from ten overs, eight of them maidens. Martin Cox then continued the spin as Norton rattled through the overs and the Old Bristolians' order as he claimed 3–7 to complete a fantastic all-round display.
It was left to Gould to finish off an emphatic win as Old Bristolians ended 75 all out, securing Norton the two extra bowling bonus points their fantastic performance deserved.