WEPL Premier One

Bridgwater 144 lost to Taunton St Andrews 146-6 by four wickets

BRIDGWATER’S poor run continued on Saturday after another poor batting display saw them slump to a four-wicket defeat to Taunton St Andrews at the Wyvern Club.

Bridgwater opted to bat first and despite losing Andy Hallaran (8) early as he was adjudged LBW off the bowling of James Hayman.

However, for the next 14 overs, the visitors built their innings carefully with Mitch Windsor (38) and Chris Gange (31) punishing any wayward bowling.

When Windsor was dismissed by Lloyd Alley, the batting collapses which have plagued Bridgwater’s middle order this season once again made an appearance as Bridgwater plummeted from 81-1 to 89-6 in no time at all.

Steve Davis (23) and Ed Habberfield (15) offered some limited resistance as Bridgwater stuttered their way to a meagre total of 144 inside 40 overs.

The home side always looked to be favourites to win the game, but Bridgwater’s bowlers battled well to make the chase as difficult as possible for Saints.

Bridgwater captain Steve Davis (3-20) decided to open the bowling with his off-spin and this soon paid off when he bowled St Andrews’ opener Byrom for just 5.

James Regan (43) and Rob Contreras put on 51 for the third wicket as Saints looked to be cruising to victory but Ed Habberfield (2-34) and Todd Barrett (1-21) did their best to cause the batsmen problems.

However, the much needed breakthroughs did not come often enough for the visitors.

Some late hitting from Hayman saw his side across the line to condemn Bridgwater to a fifth defeat in six games.

They welcome third-placed Clevedon to The Parks on Saturday (12.30pm) – the 3rd XI are at home to Temple Cloud (1.45pm).

Bridgwater would like to thanks sponsors TMB Patterns, Falcon Vehicle Solutions and Higos Insurance Services.