AFTER being promoted three years on the bounce, Middlezoy currently find themselves in mid-table of the Somerset Shrubbery League Division 1.

Skipper Nathan Barnard told the Mercury’s Daniel Milligan consolidation is the key this season.

He said: “Our aim for the season was to stay up and so far we have achieved this goal but still have eight big games left.

“Our bowling attack has be different each week with players in and out and and Ben Warren only getting back from uni this week, however myself and James Peacock have had a good partnership keeping it tight at the start of the innings and Pete Tilling, George Musgrave and Dan Beal giving the side support through the middle stages.

“Marc Troman has been reliable with the bat and Sam Venning has also batted with confidence.

“Our middle order is explosive when we get the right weather through the likes of Dan Beal, Harry Robberts, James Lacey, George Musgrave and Mitch Snell capable of putting the ball around all parts of the park.

“The fielding has been excellent, especially Harry Roberts and Simon Keith and wicketkeeper Mitch Snell continues to impress behind the stumps.

“Youngster Nick Jones is bowling really well and beyond his years.

“If we remain playing like we are with the addition of Ben Warren I feel we can achieve fourth spot which would be a great effort from the club.”

Barnard said the 2nd XI’s aim was to push for promotion and they have performed well so far.

Their batting has been confident and structured with Grant Purchase scoring two centuries and Gerald Mattravers, Darren Webb, Tom Nind, Alasdaire Campbell and Nathan Peppard all scoring half centuries.

Nathan Peppard has spearheaded the bowling with Pete Gray, Hannah Thompson, Russell Windows, Grant Purchase and Jake Mile all supporting well.

Barnard added: “Their aim now is to build on their start and win the league with consistency again the key word for our club. Complacency is not a word that we want to use in the final part of the season.”