BRIDGWATER CC completed their pre-season programme with two good victories on Saturday that leave the club well set going into the league programme beginning on Saturday.

They could not ask for a more difficult start, with the 1st XI hosting reigning WEPL Champions Bath in a mouthwatering opening encounter that gets underway at 12.30pm at the Parks.

Bridgwater should be close to full strength, and will be looking to catch the champions cold and stage a repeat of last season’s five-wicket victory.

Last Saturday, a combined 1st/2nd XI hosted Devon Premier League side Bovey Tracey and recorded a 16-run victory which saw Bridgwater’s overseas New Zealander Will Williams, from Canterbury CC, make an impressive debut with bat and ball. 

Batting first, the home side got off to an excellent start provided by Todd Barrett (41) and Ben Coombes (12) putting on 31 for the first wicket against a strong visiting seam attack. 

Barrett was then joined by Ally Witts (31) and they took the score to 96 before both fell in quick succession. 

Jon Hill (68) and Andrew Skidmore (31) rebuilt well, putting on 95, and the middle order chased quick runs with Williams hitting an enterprising cameo of 23 in 13 balls as the home side scored a healthy 252-6 off their 50 overs.

In reply, Kiwi Williams and Chris Skidmore formed a lively opening partnership which will be a stern test for any WEP batting line-up this season, reducing the visitors to 23 for 2 from 14 overs. 

Bovey then rebuilt well with Golding (46) looking particularly dangerous, however Ian Higgins bowled a good mid innings spell of 3-43 from 10 overs, and supported by Andrew Skidmore and Chris Singleton (2-64) saw Bovey fall 16 runs short, with Williams picking up another wicket at the death.

A 2nd/3rd XI had a convincing victory at Taunton Deane. 
Bridgwater made an imposing 242-7 off 40 overs with Andrew Jeanes making a good 55, Simon Keith 46, Will Moyse 37 and Kyran Deviit 24. 

In reply, the Deane slumped to 110 all out with Scott Clapp picking up 3-11, Devitt 3-12 and Dan Rossiter 2-26.

Many thanks must go to volunteers Mike Moran, Alan Prowse, Chris Cowley and Andrea Taylor for carrying out umpiring and scoring duties.

On Saturday the 2nd XI visit Temple Cloud in the WEPL Somerset Division, 1pm, the 3rd XI host Shapwick & Polden 2nd XI and the Bridgwater Pointers visit Sparkford.