Cricket: Bridgwater's title hopes dashed by defeat (From Bridgwater Mercury)

Cricket: Bridgwater's title hopes dashed by defeat

1:00pm Wednesday 31st August 2011 in Local Cricket

West of England Premier 1

Bridgwater 120 lost to Taunton St Andrew's 124-2 by 8 wkts

BRIDGWATER'S title ambitions disappeared in a poor performance on a poor pitch at The Saints on Saturday.

In a match reduced to 37 overs per side, the visitors chose to take first use of a cracked and barren strip which would need a cautious approach to try to set a target.

Unfortunately, this didn't materialise as they were reduced to 10-5 by a mixture of poor shots and the nature of the pitch.

That became 28-6 before Stu Butt (18) and Ian Bishop (49) put on the only decent stand of the innings, moving the score to 87 before Butt fell trying to up the pace.

Bishop's mixture of cautious defence and outright aggression saw him strike six boundaries and a six before the pitch claimed him, as a ball from James Brice didn't get above ankle height.

Chris Skidmore stroked two straight sixes but with the ball turning square, it was only a matter of time before Lintott cleaned up the tail to leave Bridgwater 120 all out.

Defending such a low total was going to need a superb bowling and fielding performance but Bridgwater's quick bowlers found little help from the pitch while the spinners struggled to bowl consistently.

Steve Davis claimed the two wickets to fall with the score on 34, but as much as the visitors pushed for the win, it was never going to happen as the unflappable Keith Parsons (36 not out) and the aggressive Lintott (46 not out), who hit five sixes, took their side home in the 25th over and looked to have sealed their survival in Premier 1.

The result highlighted the inconsistencies in the Bridgwater team which doubled the current champions and title favourites, Bath, but lost to sides who were bottom of the league, which ultimately cost them dear.

*ON SATURDAY, Bridgwater complete their Premier 1 programme by hosting Frocester, who still have championship ambitions of their own.

The match starts at 12.30pm and will be followed byt the club's end-of-season night which all members and vice-presidents are warmly invited to attend.

*THE 2nd XI travel to Frocester for the reverse fixture while Bridgwater's 'A' team host Cheddar 2nd XI needing six points to ensure promotion from the Somerset League Division 6.