WEPL Premier One

Bridgwater 203-9 (45.2ovs) beat Ashcott and Shapwick 200-9 (50ovs) by one wicket

BRIDGWATER secured a final fifth place finish in Premier One with a narrow one wicket win over local rivals Ashcott & Shapwick, in a game that swung in all directions.

Choosing to bowl first, the home side had the visitors in all sorts of trouble at 19-3, with Chris Skidmore (3-29) and Steffan Jones (3-37) both bowling excellent opening spells.

Nayan Karmarkar (35) and a patient Steve Coppell (17) rebuilt the innings until the latter was trapped in front by Steve Davis with the score on 77. Bridgwater's bowlers kept up the pressure, taking regular wickets and with the Ashcott score on 139-8, something special was needed.

It was provided in the form of James Haggett, who bludgeoned 28 off only 19 balls with three huge sixes as he and the tail scrambled their score to a respectable 200-9 but still below par for the conditions.

The in-form Cam Williams opened with Andy Hallaran and again the former didn't disappoint as his breezy 50 moved Bridgwater to 100-2 in the 20th over before he became third man out. Stuart Butt (38) and Robbie Montgomery (31), kept the score ticking along until the latter was out with the score on 180-6.

At this stage, Bridgwater's inconsistencies arose again, losing three quick wickets to leave themselves in some trouble at 193-9 with Wayne Spencer (3-37) and Mike Higgs (2-21) bowling very good spells.

Last man Chris Skidmore's 8 ball 0 not out was crucial as he supported his skipper in taking the sting out of the Ashcott attack, until Jones was able to spank consecutive boundaries, to take his team home in the 46th over.

Both teams left the field to fine applause from an excellent crowd who had enjoyed a thoroughly competitive match played in a good spirit.

## Match Sponsor: Kelvin and Karen Evett of The West India House.

## Match ball Sponsor: TMB Patterns Ltd.

## Bridgwater's Championship winning 2nd X1, will be attempting a superb double as they take on Staplegrove next Sunday 7th September, in the Final of the SCB Intermediate Cup at the County Ground, with a 4pm start.