Bridgwater’S match against Dowend was hanging in the balance when rain caused the match to be abandoned.

The visitors were inserted in bowler-friendly conditions but Liam Kitch and Scott Sealey (18) put on 43 for the first wicket in 10 overs.

Sealey was out in unlucky fashion, stumped off a wide with the ball cannoning on to the stumps off the keeper’s pads, and this started a collapse as poor shots saw the visitors fall to 63-4 before the first rain break.

When play resumed, Bridgwater lost Skidmore and Coombes to consecutive balls, and were in some trouble at 66-6. This brought Scott Clapp in to join opener Kitch and this pair shared a crucial stand of 47 before Kitch went for 45 with the score on 112-7.

Clapp (42) was then joined by keeper Tom Pople and he also played nicely as the aggressive Clapp took the game to the home side before playing on for a well made 42. Pople continued his fine knock in an unbeaten 21 as Bridgwater’s innings closed on 157 all out from their allotted 36 overs.

More rain meant Downend were set a revised target of 145 to win from 33 overs. Bridgwater’s opening attack of Chris Singleton and Ian Higgins started well and, backed by good fielding, quickly reduced Downend to 8-2.

A partial recovery saw the home side reach 48-4 with Bridgwater still on top, Singleton finishing his spell with 2-20, and a wicket apiece for Higgins and Whitemore.

The game progressed in worsening conditions, however, with the game well balanced at 94-5 with 10 overs remaining, a further storm saw the end to an intriguing contest.

Bridgwater would like to thank umpire Alan Prowse, Scorer Jordan Boobyer, Coach Sean Boobyer, Match Manager Mike Moran, Match Travel Sponsors Falcon Vehicle Solutions and Higos Insurance Services and Match Ball Sponsors TMB Patterns LTD.