West of England Cricket League Premier 1
Clevedon 182 beat Bridgwater 125 by 57 runs

BRIDGWATER suffered a disappointing defeat at the Parks on Saturday to Clevedon, losing by 57 runs after restricting Clevedon to just 182.

Bridgwater skipper Merv Hallaran chose to bowl first and was soon rewarded by his opening bowlers as both Will Williams (3-45) and Chris Skidmore (2-44) made early inroads with the visitors tottering at 14-3. 

The home side’s accurate bowling continued with the introduction of Alfonso Thomas (3-24) and Liam Redrup (1-35), with the former picking up the important wicket of Lintott caught behind by Tom Pople. 

Pople would go on to record five catches in the innings in an excellent wicketkeeping display. 

Clevedon were reeling at 131-8 but fought back towards the end of the innings with some careful batting and added what proved to be invaluable lower order runs before being bowled out for 182 in the 50th over. 

In reply, Bridgwater lost Todd Barrett in the second over but Hallaran (20) and George Bartlett (40) got the chase underway before Hallaran fell to Somerset and Scotland bowler Josh Davey with the score at 38-2. 

The home side failed to put together any meaningful partnerships thereafter, but still looked in control of the game at 92-3. 

However, the introduction of Lintott into the Clevedon attack forced a dramatic batting collapse as he took 5-25 in nine overs and Bridgwater were all out for 125 to end a disappointing performance that saw them claim just six points to Clevedon’s 18.

The defeat leaves Bridgwater seventh in Premier 1, with three wins, four losses and a tie from their opening eight games.

Bridgwater would like to thank sponsors TMB Patterns and JTD and friends for their support.

The action continues to come thick and fast, as the first team entertain Wellington in the SCB knockout cup on Thursday evening before travelling to Corsham, the team directly below Bridgwater in the table, next weekend.

BRIDGWATER recorded two wins on Sunday in the National T20 competition, beating Lansdown by seven wickets chasing just 83 thanks to an excellent bowling performance. 

In the second game, Bridgwater set Wembdon 162 to win after a fine half century for Merv Hallaran (63). 

There were also runs for Chris Skidmore (39) and Todd Barrett (40*). 
Wembdon never looked like reaching the Bridgwater total after a flurry of early wickets and were eventually all out for 96 with the wickets being shared around.