WEPL Somerset Division

Wembdon 189 lost to Staplegrove 250-6 by 61 runs

WEMBDON’S title hopes have faded heading into the final fortnight of the season after a first home defeat of the season at the hands of Staplegrove.

After the visitors had posted 250-6 batting first, Wembdon slumped to 189 all out, despite the best efforts of Joshua Marrs (58) who continued his impressive recent form with another half-century.

Winning the toss, Wembdon skipper Richard Eckley inserted Staplegrove - a decision that appeared to be a good move as Jon Brockwell in particular had the openers in trouble early on.

Brendan Pope went unrewarded at the pavilion end but Brockwell got the breakthrough bowling T Pantling (17). N Price (66) and R Rowe (34) rebuilt the Staplegrove innings with a strong partnership of 99 for the third wicket – and with 10 overs remaining Staplegrove were restricted to 170-4.

But with the dangerous Ian Bishop at the crease, Wembdon put down the two regulation catches in the deep which ultimately proved costly as he went on to make 41 from 23 balls.

Wembdon's reply started positively with a flurry of boundaries, but that was short lived as Bingham and Gower both departed early for eight. Brockwell (28) and Marrs (58) started the rebuilding, moving Wembdon on to 56 before a sharp piece of work behind the stumps from Craggs removed Brockwell.

A partnership of 62 between Pope (27) and Marrs lifted Wembdon’s hopes – and Billy Vickery and Marrs carried this on with Wembdon requiring 100 from 19 overs. Hesitation in the middle cost Vickery (15) his wicket and sadly a handful of balls later Bishop held on to a caught and bowled chance to remove Marrs for yet another solid half century.

From 150-4 to 189 all out was quite an anti climax to a match well placed for a tight finish. Wembdon remain in third for the time being and are guaranteed to finish in the top four ensuring they will compete in a higher tier in 2016 under the WEPL restructuring – they travel to Uphill Castle CC on Saturday.

Match sponsor: Keith Futcher Driving School