Midsomer Norton 1st XI continued their unbeaten run at the top of the WEPL Bristol/Somerset Division with a convincing six-wicket victory over Taunton. After losing the toss on a sunny yet muggy day, Norton took the field, hoping to make early inroads. Andy Cox (1–36) was the first to strike, removing Kerslake to a good slip catch. This brought overseas player, Davenport, to the crease and he looked to assert himself with some firmly hit drives. Some loose fielding helped Taunton make a bright start, but, with the fall of Kelly (26), Norton began to assert themselves. Nick Pang (3–42) was as efficient as ever, dragging the batsmen across the crease at times and deservedly ended up with three wickets. As Davis (2–38) plugged away at the other end, Norton calmed the scoring and continued to chip away with wickets before Pang made the key breakthrough, bowling Davenport for 56 as he was looking to slog-sweep a ball that was too full. Despite a cameo from Fitt (31), the returning Voigt (2–55) and Sam Gould (2–4) finished off the tail, Taunton posting 178. The run chase didn't go to plan, as Lear fell early, caught at short leg, after some extra bounce from the unusual dual spin opening partnership caught the inside edge of the bat. This brought the effervescent Martin Cox to the crease, who looked to impose himself from the off, smashing his first ball for six. Cox and the patient James Harvey took their time, picking the gaps and running well. They looked so settled that it was a surprise when Harvey was dismissed, caught at first slip for an enterprising 35. Nick Cox looked to pick up where Harvey left off, but was run-out following a mix-up. Nick Pang looked to continue his form of the previous week and started well, finding the gaps and striking some early boundaries. Cox moved past fifty with ease before a change in the bowling drew a false shot and Cox skied one to cover – out for 64. Despite this, Norton continued unchecked as Pang took charge and with a free-flowing blade, smashed the bowlers to all parts, including some towering sixes to record a second consecutive half-century. Pang saw Norton home with another colossal six, finishing unbeaten on sixty from just 34 balls. Midsomer Norton CC's latest acquisition is a new sight screen, designed by local firm, K. M. Steel. Unveiled last Friday evening, the screen is sponsored by Lightside. Club Chairman, Kevin Tabb, commented: "The new screen is a great addition to the club's facilities." This Saturday, Midsomer Norton CC 1st XI travel to Wembdon, while, for the 2nd XI fixture, Bristol West Indian and Phoenix CC visit Withies Lane. The 3rd XI take on Grendel CC at Somervale. The Sunday Firsts visit Lansdown, while the Sunday Seconds take on Stratton at Withies Lane.
