WEPL Bristol & Somerset

Wembdon 1st XI 240-8 beat Frenchay 92 by 148 runs

WEMBDON kept their season alive with a commanding 148-run victory over Frenchay on Saturday.

Sam Puddy and Dan Bingham struck half-centuries to fire Wembdon to full batting points for only the third time this season – before Brendan Pope (4-34) and Ian Blackwell (3-14) worked their way through the Frenchay top order to secure a vital win.

Losing the toss, Wembdon were asked to bat first and, as has become too familiar, an early wicket was needlessly lost leaving Wembdon 13-1 off four overs.

A strong partnership of 59 between Puddy (54) and Bowditch (17) settled Wembdon as the pair rebuilt the innings.

Bowditch was caught in the slips bringing Brockwell out to the middle, but a huge mix-up attempting a second run found Brockwell well short of his ground.

With the game swinging Frenchay’s way, a stand of 44 between Trunks and Bingham restored some pride.

A short shower of rain briefly halted proceedings before the pair resumed what now became a 47-over game.

Pope went for 16 but Bingham carried on, eventually reaching a chanceless 50 before being bowled a ball later.

After the fall of his wicket, Wembdon marched on to post 240-8.

After tea, the game restarted at a slow pace, unusual for Frenchay who are normally so aggressive.

After playing himself in for a few overs captain Donaldson did begin to free his arms; sadly for him, wickets were tumbling at the other end and he was unable to find a partner as Pope ripped through the top order with three lbws and a bowled.

Bingham chipped in with the wicket of Bevan before the opening bowlers were replaced by Blackwell and Brockwell. Blackwell had the immediate affect, dismissing dangerous Donaldson (34), clean bowling him. With the fall of his wicket, Frenchay had reached 75-6 off 18 overs.

Wembdon were now in search of extra bonus points and Brockwell and Blackwell kept the pressure on. Assisted by a couple of good catches and a quick stumping, the innings and game was wrapped up only six overs later.

Frenchay were all out for 92 inside 25 overs.

Match sponsor: The Quantock.

l Wembdon take on top-of-the-table Midsomer Norton on Saturday.