BRIDGWATER CC begin their 12th successive season in the top division of the West of England Cricket League (WEPL) with a trip to Clevedon tomorrow.

They completed a second straight pre-season victory last Saturday, following up a victory over Taunton with a comfortable 169-run over newly-promoted Premier 2 Bristol/Somerset outfit Weston-super-Mare.

Chris Skidmore top-scored with a quickfire 83 from just 45 balls, which included five fours and seven sixes, as Bridgwater made 237 all out in 40 overs.

Ian Higgins (3-9) and Andrew Skidmore (2-12) then led the way with the ball as Weston were dismissed for just 68, with only two batsmen making it into double figures.

Bridgwater begin the season without George Bartlett, who has retained his place in the Somerset team taking on Lancashire at Old Trafford.

Bartlett is not the only county professional lining up at The Parks this season, however, with both Max Waller (Somerset) and Calum Haggett (Kent) among their squad.

Bridgwater’s 2nd XI begin another season of WEPL Somerset action with a home derby against Wembdon tomorrow.

Wembdon, again captained by consistent opening batsman Dan Bingham this season, lost their final warm-up game to Shapwick & Polden by 160 runs last Saturday.

Wicketkeeper Liam Pigden top-scored with 30 for the hosts as they were bowled out for 100 in response to Shapwick’s 260-8.

Shapwick, meanwhile, start their WEPL 2 Bristol/Somerset campaign at Midsomer Norton tomorrow.

They have strengthened their squad with four players from Glastonbury - Ross Jenkins, John Stratton, and Will and Joe Mason - as their first team has folded, while they plan on having a wicketkeeper from New Zealand, work permit permitting.

Captain Steven Tinnion said: “This season we are aiming for a top half finish to start with, but we will see how that goes as the season progresses.

“We hope not to be considering relegation as we have done the last few seasons, while we are also looking to do well in the T20 competitions like we did last year.

“As ever, sponsors are welcome while the new pavilion is available to rent for events.”

North Petherton host Staplegrove in WEPL Somerset on Saturday, with Pethy this year captained by Paul Short, formerly of Taunton St Andrew's, Wellington and Exeter University.

They are hoping to maintain their status as a WEPL side this season and are confident of going well in the T20 competition.

Pethy have lost the services of Ian Blackwell and Paul van Meekeren, the former to umpiring and the latter to Weston-super-Mare, but have brought in opening batsman George Western from Kentisbeare.

Their overseas player is Australian amateur player Ryan Meppem, who bowls off spin, bats in the middle order and represents Gordon CC in the Sydney grade competition.

Pethy also have high hopes for 14-year-old Farran Gregory, who bowls left-arm medium fast and is involved in the Somerset youth set-up.