Bridgwater 1st XI 243-4 beat Thornbury 1st XI 242-6 by 4 wkts (From Bridgwater Mercury)

Bridgwater 1st XI 243-4 beat Thornbury 1st XI 242-6 by 4 wkts

7:20pm Monday 15th August 2011 in Local Cricket

A SUPERB century from Callum Haggett helped Bridgwater through to a deserved victory in front of a very large and enthusiastic crowd at The Parks on Saturday.

After being inserted on a hard but green pitch, the visitors had amassed 242-6, a remarkable total given that at the halfway stage they were 71-3.

Excellent opening spells from Ian Bishop and Chris Skidmore (3-40) had seen Thornbury virtually scoreless, but skipper Richard Trotman (24) upped the tempo along with Juvaunie Gayle who hit a swashbuckling 98.

Wayne Kylander (68) played a classy knock as the pitch eased but Bridgwater’s death bowling kept the score within reasonable bounds, given the short boundaries and lightning fast outfield.

In reply, Andy Hallaran was trapped in front by Gayle (1-58) and a subdued Michael Coles was surprisingly bowled by Trotman (2-22) to reduce Bridgwater to 48-2.

Haggett and Mitchell Windsor rebuilt the innings, putting on 66 for the third-wicket before Windsor was bowled by Trotman for a crucial 46.

Skipper Steve Davis played some excellent shots all around the wicket before he was trapped in front for 20, as the match started to heat up. Stuart Butt (24 no) supported Haggett extremely well as the left-hander started to open up his shoulders.

With 80 required from the last 10 overs, Haggett launched an assault on the Thornbury bowlers, striking five straight sixes to the delight of his team-mates and the vociferous crowd. Butt also pummelled his only boundary over mid-wicket for a huge maximum.

The pair took their side home with an unbeaten stand of 93, with Haggett hitting the winning boundary to give his team victory and bring up his second century of the season and a crucial 21 points to leave Bridgwater in second place, five points off leaders Frocester.

Match sponsor: Trelleborg Sealing Solutions.

l On Saturday, Bridgwater travel to bottom club Corsham to continue their quest for the West of England Premier League title. The match starts at 11am.

20/20 Area Final ON Sunday, Bridgwater travel to St Just, in Cornwall, to play in the Area Final of the ECB Cockspur 20/20 Cup. In the semi-final they play the winners of the Devon Competition (start 1pm).