Bridgwater 2nd XI lose brave Bath fight (From Bridgwater Mercury)

Bridgwater 2nd XI lose brave Bath fight

11:30am Sunday 23rd August 2009 in

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Bath 203-7 bt Bridgwater 2nd XI 158-9

BRIDGWATER Seconds put up a battling performance against league champions Bath, eventually losing by 45 runs to the very experienced visiting side.

Bath won the toss and chose to bat first - greeted by Bridgwater's teenage opening attack of George Musgrave and Ed Habberfield. Both bowled a good line and length and obtained a great deal of movement to restrict the Bath openers.

A dropped chance gave opener Mike Smyth a life, and he was to take full advantage, as he became the mainstay of the Bath innings.

The introduction of Daniel Andison brought immediate reward, when he had opener Henry Hayes well caught by Todd Barrett at point.

Andison bowled a very good spell from the Park Road end - also dismissing the dangerous Dom Farris and experienced Dave Catlow, as Bath were reduced to 75 for three after 21 overs.

Smyth then shared a good partnership with Jon Green (15), but Bridgwater's bowling attack stood up to the task.

Sean Boobyer was particularly impressive on debut.

Barrett's leg spin eventually dismissed Smyth for 88, well caught by Habberfield at long off.

The remainder of the Bath batting chased quick runs but were never able to get away from Bridgwater's young side.

A final total of 203 for 7 was by no means out of Bridgwater's reach.

Andison finished with 3-41, Barrett 3-35 and Musgrave 1-41.

Bridgwater were dealt a blow when skipper Scott Sealey badly hurt his finger taking a catch and was unable to take up his opening batting position.

Bath's opening attack of Alex Muse and David Ford were impressive - picking up three quick wickets - dismissing Hallaran, Barrett and Musgrave with only 14 on the board.

Tom Clarke was back in form for Bridgwater and Ali Witts played a brief cameo before falling LBW for 13, but young Ben Whitemore joined Clarke at the crease and played expertly.

The pair added 47 for the fifth wicket and gave Bridgwater hope at 90 for 4, with 17 overs remaining.

Clarke was dismissed by Bath skipper Mike Roe for a well played 34, which triggered a mini collapse.

Habberfield and Andison then shared 27 for the eighth wicket in an entertaining partnership - appreciated by the vocal Bridgwater support.

Habberfield (14) fell to a very good catch by Muse, and the quick dismissal of Epps, saw Bridgwater at 125 for nine, with seven overs remaining.

Sealey decided to try to support Andison to bat out the remaining allocation, and Andison put the Bath bowlers to the sword, playing some fine drives and hitting a six in the final over to finish on 44 not out, with Bridgwater on 158 for 9.

Bridgwater's very young side can take great credit and experience from a good display against the best side in the league.

Match umpire: Andy Higgins