WEPL Premier 1 2nd XI

Bridgwater II 264 beat Weston-super-Mare II 34

BRIDGWATER took a massive step towards the title with a crushing win at the Parks after bowling the visitors out for just 34.

The victory puts them only a handful of points away from a second title in three seasons with two matches remaining.

On winning the toss the visitors surprisingly decided to let Bridgwater take first use of a flat wicket.

As in the previous week, Josh Horler set the tone of the early overs, despatching deliveries to the boundary all around the Parks to get his side off to a flier.

Ben Coombes was dismissed, caught at the wicket, in the third over, but this only brought Josh Vickery to the crease to join Horler.

Vickery took control of the rest of the innings as the Bridgwater middle order struggled to assert themselves, slumping to 195-6 with 12 overs left.

Chris Singleton joined Vickery, and it was only a matter of time before the experienced number three reached his century in an innings of high class and complete control.

Vickery was eventually dismissed for 132 off only 112 balls with 20 fours and two sixes as Bridgwater closed on 264.

After tea, Singleton and Ian Higgins immediately got to work as none of the Weston batsmen could gain a foothold against rampant and at times brutal fast bowling.

Higgins picked up the first wicket, dismissing the dangerous Neave at mid off, followed by Singleton running out Goodhew with a quick chase and throw.

Singleton then got in on the act with the ball, taking three quick wickets, a snorter of a bouncer accounting for visiting skipper Ford.

With Higgins picking up three more himself, including his 400th league wicket for the club, Weston were blown away.

Matt Habberfield and Dan Rossiter picked up a wicket apiece as Weston were demolished inside 14 overs.

Thanks go to umpires Alan Prowse and Ray Windsor, scorer Andrea Taylor, match sponsor Leslie Bellew and ball sponsor TMB Patterns LTD The 2nds X1 entertain Keynsham at 1pm this Saturday.