WEPL Bristol & Somerset

Wembdon 317-6 beat Knowle 156-9 by 161 runs

HALF-centuries from Rich Gower and Jon Brockwell powered Wembdon to an emphatic 161-run victory over Knowle in the Bristol & Somerset Division of the WEPL.

Gower (85) and Brockwell (74) were in fine form as the hosts posted 317-6 from their 50 overs.

In reply, Knowle were never up with the rate and slumped to 156-9, Dan Bingham, Aaron Phillips and Michael Parker taking two wickets apiece.

Batting first, Gower in particular scored very freely, making good use of the very quick outfield.

Boundaries came at regular intervals and soon Puddy joined in and the pair had a great opening stand of 109 off 16 overs.

Puddy was the first to fall but Gower kept up the scoring, supported superbly by J, Brockwell (74), who was back in sparkling form.

Gower did eventually go and will be disappointed he didn’t get his deserved century but he had got Wembdon off to a positive start, which was carried on by Brockwell, who took a liking to the Knowle bowling attack clearing the boundary with ease.

Late cameos from Karl Trunks (38 off 29 balls) and Dan Bingham (31no off 22 balls) helped Wembdon post a very competitive 317 for 6 off 50 overs.

Knowle were always going to be challenged to keep up with the required rate and tight bowling from Hubbard and Bingham early on with a number of maidens increased the pressure.

Bingham got the breakthrough with Puddy taking a good catch, quickly followed by the second as Bingham cleaned bowled Milkins.

After 15 overs, Knowle were 48 for 2 and didn’t look interested in chasing the score.

First change bowlers Parker and Phillips were superb and both claimed two wickets each.

With 10 overs remaining, Knowle had mustered 118 for 7.

Still requiring 200, the game had gone but Wembdon worked tirelessly to bowl Knowle out.

Alistair Cook picked up a much- deserved wicket but the final one evaded Wembdon as Knowle crawled to 156-9.

Match sponsor: Mick & Sheila Bowden.

l Wembdon 1st XI travel to Bishopston on Saturday.