Barrington Coombes Memorial Match
Bridgwater 161-3 lost to Taunton Deane 165-3 by seven wickets

TAUNTON Deane took victory in the annual Barrington Coombes memorial game with a sevenwicket triumph over Bridgwater at a packed out Parks on Friday night.

Chasing 162 to win from their 20 overs, Taunton Deane cruised home with seven wickets to spare in a game where the batsmen were forced to retire at 25.

The game, played in memory of two club stalwarts, Kit Barrington and Richard Coombes, saw a crowd of over 150 enjoy the summer sunshine and raise money for the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance.

Kit Barrington played for Bridgwater for over 40 years before he sadly lost his battle with leukaemia four years ago, while Richard Coombes took over 1,000 league wickets for Taunton Deane over a 30-year playing career.

Bridgwater CC chairman Mike Moran described the event as “a fantastic evening”, and praised the efforts of both the players and supporters.

He said: “As a club we were delighted with the turn-out and support from Bridgwater and Taunton Deane.

“The game was played in a competitive but very good atmosphere – the batsman dominated because the quality of the bowling was somewhat pedestrian and that was why there were two high-scoring innings.

“The two clubs have always had a great relationship as well as some huge battles over the years, and Coombes versus Barrington was always a highlight of these games for many years – people used to come just to see those two go at each other.

“Next year’s game will be played at Taunton Deane and I’m sure it will be just as well supported.”