WEPL Premier One second XI

Bridgwater 255-3 beat Bristol 75 by 180-runs

BRIDGWATER II produced their best performance of the season with a convincing 180-run victory at Bristol on Saturday.

The victory was based on a solid batting performance, led by a superb 188 run partnership for the second wicket between Stu Butt (117) and Ben Coombes (83no), which saw Bridgwater to an excellent 255 for 3 off their 43 overs.

On winning the toss Bridgwater chose to make first use of a rock hard surface in superb condition despite the overnight and early morning rain.

Coombes and Scott Sealey got the visitors off to a bright start with 32 on the board inside 6 overs. A short break for a rain shower saw the overs reduced to 43 per side, and this worked in Bristol's favour as Sealey was bowled round his legs by left arm spinner Verma, two balls after the delay.

This brought Butt to the wicket and he and Coombes built a steady partnership with a fine display of batting and shots all around the wicket.

Butt picked up the run rate, instilling some further urgency to the partnership, with some particularly powerful drives being a feature of the innings.

Coombes played the anchor role, but showed great maturity beyond his years in a classy knock.

Butt was eventually dismissed with two overs to go for an exceptional 117 coming off 107 balls including nine fours and five sixes.

After tea Ian Higgins and Chris Singleton began tidily restricting the scoring of the Bristol openers to a trickle and it appeared on a matter of time before Singleton (1-26) secured the breakthrough with the first wicket.

The introduction of Ed Habberfield's nagging length produced immediate success as he picked up two quick wickets and at drinks Bristol were struggling.

Scott Clapp replaced Singleton from the top end and he bowled with good pace which immediately was too much for the remaining batting as he took 3-13 in six overs and Habberfield 3-18 off eight as Bristol collapsed to 75 all out and a convincing win for Bridgwater.

Many Thanks to umpire Alan Prowse, Scorer Andrea Taylor, Match Travel Sponsors Falcon Vehilce Solutions and Higos Insurance Services LTD and Match Ball Sponsors TMB Patterns LTD.