WEPL Premier One Second XI

Bridgwater 2nd XI 309-7 beat Keynsham 149 by 160 runs

LIAM Kitch was the match-winner for Bridgwater 2nd XI for the second week running as they eased to a 160-run victory over Keynsham 2nd XI on Saturday.

Kitch followed up last weekend’s 41-ball 88, with a scintillating knock of 168 from just 126 balls, to propel Bridgwater to 309-7 from 45 overs, before three wickets apiece from Ian Higgins (3-27) and Andrew Skidmore (3-24) secured a comprehensive win.

The left-hander blasted 18 fours and five sixes on his way highest score for the club, eclipsing the 147 he scored against Warminster in 2012.

John Hill (32) Ben Coombes (29) and Andrew Skidmore (24) also chipped in as Bridgwater amassed an imposing total batting first.

The Keynsham reply never really got going, once Higgins had dismissed Harry Kitchen (0) with the third ball of the innings.

Tom Kennedy (0) followed shortly after, this time to the bowling of Matt Habberfield (2-26) – and when Higgins claimed his second with the score on 21, the visitors were well and truly in charge.

Tim Hill (1-37) got in on the act with the wicket of Richard Pannell (24), before the introduction of Skidmore had an almost immediate effect.

Skidmore removed Scott Tweedie for 19 - but not before Higgins had claimed his third wicket – and soon dismissed Jonty Flynn (13) and John Courtney (0).

Todd Barrett wrapped up proceedings with a smart caught and bowled, leaving Chris Courtney stranded on 36 and securing an emphatic win for Bridgwater 2nd XI and keep them hot on the heels of league leaders, Bath.