Bridgwater 2nds kicked off their season with a fantastic 68-run victory at champions Bath, showing immense character and team spirit to turn a tight game into a resounding victory.

The team were led by a superb individual performance from youngster Ben Whitemore, who followed up a classy 50 with the bat, with a devastating spell of 7-18 with the ball, blowing Bath’'s middle and lower order away single-handedly.

Bridgwater batted first and were reduced to 42-3 with the loss of three quick wickets but Whitemore and Ali Witts (55) helped set the foundations to the innings.

Whitemore’s half-century included nine boundaries and Witts hit four boundaries and three huge sixes.

Bridgwater moved to 167-8 and Higgins (13) helped to negotiate the final overs as the team reached 198.

In reply, Bath’s dangerous opener Mike Smyth was dropped without scoring but wickets tumbled at the other end as Higgins and Chris Singleton made early inroads.

Bath moved to 83-2 at drinks with Scott Clapp and Tim Hill keeping the pressure on.

The introduction of spinner Matt Habberfield continued to exert pressure on the Bath batsmen, as he tied an end up for his captain with superb control, and the inclusion of sixth bowler Whitemore in tandem with Habberfield was to swing the game in Bridgwater’s favour.

Whitemore picked up a wicket in his second over and in his third over had Smyth (55) caught at deep fine leg after he top-edged a bouncer.

He then routed Bath’s hopes as he picked up an awesome hat-trick completed by a sharp slip catch by Kitch.

Bath never recovered and were eventually all out for 130, Whitemore picking up 7-18, Habberfield 1-18 and Singleton 2-23.

Match sponsors were Falcon Vehicle Solutions, Higos Insurance Services LTD and TMB Patterns LTD.