Wembdon 1st XI 125 lost to Midsomer Norton 126-4 by 6 wkts (From Bridgwater Mercury)

Wembdon 1st XI 125 lost to Midsomer Norton 126-4 by 6 wkts

1:00pm Wednesday 24th August 2011 in Local Cricket

SECOND-placed Wembdon suffered defeat at the hands of league champions Midsomer Norton in the penultimate away fixture of the season on Saturday.

Winning the toss, Wembdon gambled on batting first and, as anticipated, the ball moved around a lot in the early overs. A. Cox bowled a hostile opening spell for Norton and both openers claimed early wickets.

In no time at all, Wembdon had capitulated to 11-5 and faced a mammoth task to salvage some pride. That job went to M. Johnson who stabilised the innings and chanced his arm on his way to a quickfire 54 from 52 deliveries, including eight boundaries.

He got good support from D. Bingham and when Johnson played one shot too many, Bingham and debutant K. Futcher looked to occupy some overs and keep the scoreboard ticking over.

As the ninth wicket fell, the 10th followed next ball leaving Bingham stranded on 25 not out off 61 deliveries and Wembdon well below par on 126 all out.

With something to defend, the Wembdon bowlers tried hard and were rewarded with some early wickets for Bingham, who had Norton 34-2 but opener Clifton was in brutal form striking the ball incredibly hard.

Clifton reached his 50 with the team score only on 54. Unfortunately, he was dropped twice on his way to a match-winning 73, albeit difficult chances which were spilled.

Midsomer Norton deservedly reached the 127 required after 22 overs.

Wembdon stay second with two fixtures remaining. This Saturday, they will be home to Westlands of Yeovil for a 1.15pm start.

On Sunday, Wembdon hold their final league fixture against North Newton.

Wembdon are unbeaten on a Sunday and have won the league already but will look to give their youth yet another fixture to challenge their senior counterparts.