WEPL Premier One

Bridgwater 256-8 beat Ilminster 96 by 160 runs

BRIDGWATER recorded their third league victory in a row on Saturday, thrashing Ilminster by 160 runs.

After being inserted by the home side, Bridgwater began steadily on a very slow pitch as openers Hallaran (24) and Barrett (18) put on 35 for the first wicket.

Mitch Windsor (83) looked in fine form once again and it would be his partnership with Stuart Butt (57) which laid the foundations for Bridgwater’s imposing total.

Windsor regularly found the boundary whilst Butt made the most of Ilminster’s spinners, including striking three big sixes.

Butt was eventually removed for a well-played half century by the returning Montacute - however, Windsor found another partner in Chris Skidmore as their stand of 57 took Bridgwater up to an excellent total of 256.

Ilminster’s reply got off to the worst possible start as Singleton tempted the dangerous Kraucamp into hanging his bat outside off stump in the first over - Kraucamp was well caught by Butt at second slip.

Singleton (2-24) and Chris Skidmore bowled brilliantly with Singleton picking up two wickets whilst Skidmore was unlucky not to pick up a wicket himself.

Bridgwater then turned to spin as Habberfield (3-30), Windsor (1-23) and Davis (1-1) tore through a frail Ilminster middle order as the home side went from 53-3 to 68-6 in no time at all.

Van Der Berg joined the party, picking up two wickets of his own, with Ilminster eventually collapsing to 96 all out with Windsor taking a fine one handed catch to finish the game.

Bridgwater travel to Bath next week, while the second XI host the reverse fixture – the thirds are at home to Kilmington & Stourton, 1.45pm start

Bridgwater would like to thank match ball sponsors TMB Patterns and travel sponsors Higos Insurance Services and Falcon Vehicle Solutions.