WEPL Premier One
Bridgwater 213-9 tied with Bedminster 213-8 (13pts each)

BRIDGWATER had a frustrating trip to Bristol, tying a game they had several chances to win, writes Michael Moran.

After being inserted in difficult, dank conditions, openers Merv Hallaran and Tom Lace had departed with the score on 22.

Ben Coombes (31) and Somerset’s Adam Hose (68) repaired the early damage with a stand of 80, before the former charged Gloucestershire’s spinner Tom Smith (5-40) to become the first of his victims.

After Hose was well caught on the long on boundary after an aggressive innings, a clatter of wickets saw Bridgwater reduced to 147-7, but the experienced Josh Vickery (34no) and Will Williams (24) added 50 for the eighth wicket.

Some excellent death bowling saw the visitors restricted to 213-9 at the close, a disappointing but defendable score if they bowled well.

Williams and Chris Skidmore bowled very lively opening spells, passing the edge on numerous occasions.

The home side were reduced to 94-4 but the cautious George Drissell (62 off 121 balls), despite being dropped on six, kept the innings together as he and Smith added 60 slowly for the next wicket in the face of some tight bowling from Andy Roberts and Liam Redrup.

Despite the lack of wickets, the unlucky Bridgwater bowlers and fielders kept their discipline, leaving Bedminster to score 45 runs off the last five overs.

Tom Pugsley was dropped on six and went on to punish Bridgwater by scoring 35 crucial runs off 23 balls.

Fourteen were required off the last two overs with Williams (3-44) and Skidmore bowling well, and the batsmen chancing their arm in front of noisy support.

It came down to three needed to win off the last ball off Skidmore and the steepling slog could possibly have been caught, but the return to the bowler’s end was fumbled, allowing Bedminster to run a very improbable two to tie the match and leaving Bridgwater to rue crucial mistakes.

Thanks to Away Travel Sponsors Falcon Vehicle Solutions and Charles Dickens and Match Ball Sponsors TMB Patterns Ltd.

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LAST Wednesday, Bridgwater comfortably beat local rivals North Petherton in the first round of the SCB Major Cup.

Batting first, Bridgwater scored 159-5 with skipper Merv Hallaran scoring 74 and Todd Barrett 43no.

In reply, the home side were restricted to 127-5 with Andrew Skidmore taking 2-17.

The win sets up an intriguing local derby in the second round, as Bridgwater visit Wembdon’s new ground.

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TOMORROW (May 31), Bridgwater A host Watchet in the first round of the SCB Intermediate Cup at The Parks, with a 6.15pm start.