ASHCOTT & Shapwick progressed to the next round of the ECB National Twenty20 with a resounding group stage display at Wembdon on Sunday.

Ashcott were in ruthless form, thrashing Bridgwater by nine wickets in the opening fixture before cruising to a six-wicket victory over Wembdon, who play two divisions below their opponents, later in the day.

In front of a 200-strong crowd at Wembdon CC, Steve Tinnion was the star performer, smashing 100 runs in the two games at breakneck speed.

An explosive display of bowling and fielding in the first game saw Ashcott skittle out Bridgwater for just 79 batting first – Ben Rudge was the chief destroyer, finishing with 3-8 off four overs.

Michael Higgs (3-20), James Haggett (2-16) and Nayan Karmarkar (1-5) played their part in a fine bowling effort.

Tinnion made light work of the chase, bludgeoning a quickfire 48 as Ashcott reached their target in just ten overs.

In the second game, Bridgwater bounced back to beat Wembdon in the final over thanks to half-centuries from Andy Hallaran (64no) and Mitchell Windsor (68) in a stand of 124.

Batting first, Jon Brockwell struck a breezy 41 and Sam Puddy hit 35 as Wembdon posted 147 from their 20 overs, but it wasn’t quite enough for the hosts as Bridgwater reached their target with four balls to spare.

In the final game, Ashcott were in dominant mood again, coasting to a six-wicket win inside 13 overs.

For the second time in the day, Brockwell was Wembdon’s standout batsman, smashing 36 at the top of the order, including a towering six off James Hayman (0-20).

Spin was the key for Ashcott, and tight bowling from Karmarkar (2-22) and White (3-24) helped restrict Wembdon to a below par 120-8 despite the best efforts of Karl Trunks (30) down the order.

Ashcott lost Hayman early in the reply, but Tinnion took charge with eight fours and three huge sixes to reach his half century off just 18 balls to ensure Ashcott’s progress to the next round of the competition.

Wembdon captain Dan Bingham said: “A superb day of Twenty20 cricket took place at Wembdon on Sunday with a strong 200-plus crowd supporting Wembdon, Bridgwater and Ashcott & Shapwick cricket clubs.

“Wearing coloured kit and using pink balls, it was quite a spectacle.

“The weather played its part and a rather a lot of Thatchers Cider was consumed, but there was fun for all the family with a bouncy castle for the children, a barbecue, a raffle, music and, of course, cricket.

“Wembdon would like to thank all the supporters and its own members who helped the day go smoothly and be a huge success.”