A LACK of application early in their innings proved to be Bridgwater’s downfall as they fell to a 57-run defeat against Taunton St Andrew’s – their first of the season.

Ian Higgins (3-17) bowled his best spell of the season to put the visitors on the back foot as Bridgwater controlled the first half of the game with Ed Habberfield supporting Higgins well.

Ben Coombes, 14, picked up the wicket of Paul Lawrence on debut, with Saints 82-4 after 24 overs.

Hoyle (63) and Phil Parsons (44) put on 66 for the fifth wicket before Hoyle fell to Andrew Skidmore.

Parsons and captain Josh Clatworthy (38no) chased quick runs to give Saints a handy total of 225-9 at the tea break.

In reply, Bridgwater lost Liam Kitch lbw early on and Barrett (20) hit a quick-fire 20 supported by his captain Scott Sealey, taking Bridgwater to 49-1 and in a good position.

Barrett’s wicket sparked a collapse as Ali Witts and Andrew Skidmore both came and went and, when Habberfield was dismissed, Bridgwater were 76-5.

Sealey (52) and Coombes (46) repaired the damage with the youngster playing a mature innings which included three sixes and four fours to take the team to 145-5, needing 80 from 11 overs.

But wickets in consecutive overs dashed their hopes of a realistic challenge, leaving Bridgwater 57 runs short.

The 2nds would like to thank umpire Alan Prowse, scorers Ken Stanton and Andrea Taylor, coach Sean Boobyer, match sponsors PAW Engineering and match ball sponsors TMB Patterns LTD.