WEPL Bristol & Somerset

Wembdon 122 lost to Brislington 124-2 by 8 wkts

WEMBDON’S relegation from the West of England Bristol & Somerset division was confirmed with a humbling eight-wicket defeat at Brislington on Saturday.

Captain Dan Bingham top scored with 33 as Wembdon could only muster 122 batting first – and it was never going to be enough to test Brislington, who cruised home inside 25 overs.

It was a disappointing day for Bingham, who cited defeats to the division’s lower sides as the main reason for his side’s relegation.

He said: “In summary, at times we have more than held our own in this highest division in the club’s history.

“Winning five games would in other seasons have been enough. We’ve taken the top two teams to the final over, lost several games in the final over, but, disappointingly, lost twice to the side who finished bottom.

“Inconsistent availability, a lack of application and fielding below the levels set by themselves, have all played their part in the low finish.

“The side will regroup and look to add one or two players and hope to bounce straight back having enjoyed the experience.”

Things began badly as Puddy played on in the first over and, while Bowditch battled well and timed the ball nicely through the covers, he would eventually go clean bowled for 10.

Scholtz followed up clean bowling Brockwell next ball to leave Wembdon at 14-3 after nine overs.

The steady pair of Curd and Bingham were by no means exciting the crowd but they did steady the ship.

Curd got his first run after 16 balls, Bingham after 19 balls.

Ten overs had passed since a wicket but Wembdon were 31-3 with 20 overs gone. Curd (11 from 72 balls) eventually went bowled by a spinning delivery from Munden.

Trunks followed an over later, trapped lbw, sparking a flurry of wickets once again. Blackwell and Bingham carried their bat through to drinks but Wembdon were 53-5 from 25.

Bennett and Bingham added 44 for the ninth wicket and took Wembdon up to 111 before Bingham’s (33 off 83) vigil ended with the bowler taking a low, one-handed catch.

Hubbard was the last to go, leaving Bennett on 25 not out but the pair took Wembdon to 122 in the 43rd over.

Bingham claimed the first wicket as Williams was caught by Trunks – but, with 100 to win and plenty of wickets, Brislington gambled and went on the attack.

The Brislington aggression saw Wembdon try a variety of bowlers (nine in total) in search of a wicket but the game drifted and the end was in sight.

A token over for the wicket-keeper which saw Blackwell take the gloves meant the game ended in good spirit, Brislington winning comfortably by eight wickets with still 25 overs remaining.