Bridgwater 2ndXI 282-6 beat Frocester 2ndXI 208-7 by 74 runs (From Bridgwater Mercury)

Bridgwater 2ndXI 282-6 beat Frocester 2ndXI 208-7 by 74 runs

4:00pm Wednesday 7th September 2011 in Local Cricket

Bridgwater pulled the curtain down on their season with a convincing 74-run win at Frocester, cementing third place in Premier One. The win concludes a run of eight victories in their last ten matches, and more consistency in the first half of the season may have seen a strong title challenge, however a successful season in any case.

The win at Frocester was largely due to a superb 156 run stand for the fifth-wicket between skipper Scott Sealey (105) and Andrew Skidmore (106), which took Bridgwater from an average position at 93 for 4 to 249 for 5 when Sealey was dismissed in the penultimate over of the innings.

Bridgwater decided to take first use of a flat surface and Sealey and Liam Kitch got their side off to a good start putting on 52 for the first wicket before Kitch (29) was caught off of young off spinner Jack Gillett. Tom Clarke, Ali Witts and Ben Whitemore all looked in good form however were dismissed by home captain Ali Downey, which reduced the visitors to 93 for 4 after 22 overs.

Skidmore joined his skipper and the pair quietly set about building a partnership picking up the ones and twos whilst dispatching the bad ball to the boundary. Skidmore got into his stride quickly and played some lovely drives and cuts through the off side, whilst Sealey picked up the pace after a watchful start played many drives and pulls to leg. The match winning stand was eventually broken when Sealey was bowled shortly after reaching his century, for a fine 105 including 11 fours.

Skidmore finished the innings in brutal style taking 28 off the final over to race to his hundred, eventually finishing unbeaten on 106 which included 11 fours and 3 sixes. The final Bridgwater total of 282 for 6 was an excellent one, giving them a good chance of victory.

After a fine tea Bridgwater took to the field with intent looking to finish the season on a high. Ian Higgins bowled a hostile first spell, which immediately put Frocester behind the required rate, and he was unfortunate not to pick up a number of wickets, beating the bat regularly and seeing a couple of chances spilled. Chris Singleton (1-25) got the breakthrough and his replacement Tim Hill (1-27) also picked up a wicket in a good spell of bowling.

At the half way stage Frocester were virtually out of the game at 84 for 2, and Sealey rung the changes in a search for wickets bringing on Whitemore (1-26) and Kieran Windsor (2-44) in tandem. This worked as the pair picked up three wickets between them to reduce Frocester to 118 for 5. Sam Evans and Seb Dix then dropped anchor ensuring their side batted the overs in a stand of 52, and this was broken by the returning Higgins (2-44) who picked up two deserved wickets, with Frocester eventually closing their innings on 208 for 7.

The 2nds would like to thank umpire Alan Prowse, Scorer Malcolm Sealey, Match Travel Sponsors Falcon Vehicle Solutions and Dean Motors, and Match Ball Sponsors TMB Patterns LTD.