10:28am Sunday 30th August 2009
By Mercury sports reporter
THE 2nds signed off their league campaign with a win at local rivals Taunton St Andrews, which ensured a top half finish in a topsy-turvy season.
Skipper Scott Sealey won his first toss in eight weeks and chose to bat first on a firm surface at the Wyvern Club.
Sealey and Dave Hallaran got Bridgwater off to an excellent start but a stand of 38 inside seven overs ended when Hallaran was caught behind off Nick Eggbeer for 17. Eggbeer then dismissed Tom Clarke and Todd Barrett for ducks, leaving Bridgwater 42 for 3.
Sealey found an excellent partner in Andrew Skidmore, who played some crisp shots all around the ground. They took the score to 103 for 3 at drinks.
Almost immediately after the break, Sealey (38) and Skidmore (41) were dismissed, the latter to a spectacular one-handed catch on the boundary by James Trundley.
Ed Habberfield and Ben Whitemore astutely rebuilt the innings until Whitemore was bowled by the returning Eggbeer for 12, with the score on 141.
The improving Habberfield (41) and in-form all-rounder Dan Andison (24 not out) then put on a crucial partnership.
Although Habberfield eventually fell going for quick runs, Chris Singleton and Andison took Bridgwater to a competitive 197 for 7.
Saints opener James Trundley hit 17 inside three overs before a beauty from Ed Habberfield (2-23) clean bowled him.
A run out and wickets from Singleton and the outstanding Habberfield had the batting side wobbling at 41 for 4.
Saints number four Dan Brice was in terrific form, however, and shared stands with captain James Brice and his father Richard Brice to take his side to 109 for 4 at drinks.
After the break, spinner Matt Habberfield (5-34) claimed the crucial wicket of Dan Brice (56) and then dismissed Richard Brice and Clatworthy.
Sealey clean bowled Poole and Habberfield had Eggbeer caught in the deep to seal victory.
Andison (1-29) and Singleton (1-34) also took wickets.
Bridgwater 2nds thanked umpire Raymond Windsor, match manager Andy Higgins and travel sponsors Falcon Vehicle Solutions and Dean Motors.
With a young and improving side, Bridgwater will be confident of improving next season on their fifth placed finish.
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