Bedminster CC - 1st XI 121 / 8 (40.4) vs Bridgwater CC - 1st XI 118 / All out (41.4)

BRIDGWATER suffered their first disappointment of the season as they fell to defeat in a close low scoring encounter at Bedminster on Saturday.

Bedminster inserted the visitors on one of the more sporting surfaces in the league, where run scoring can be hard to come by.

Unfortunately Bridgwater lost Will Smeed and Andrew Hallaran with only 26 on the board to New Zealander Richard Sillars, as the Bedminster opening attack bowled with discipline keeping the Bridgwater top order in check.

A partial recovery was put in place by Somerset’s George Bartlett (20) and Alex Eckland (24) as Bridgwater progressed to 61 for 2 in good time.

The introduction of the Bedminster spinners changed the course of the game as Bartlett fell to Nasir in his first over and Max Tryfonos bowled an exceptional tight spell on a surface conducive to spin at an early stage in the game.

Eckland’s attempt to stamp his authority on the game fell short as he charged Nasir only to be stumped and with Stu Butt (5) and Tom Allcoat (2) falling soon after, Bridgwater were staring down the barrel after being in a decent position.

Mike Coles continued to show his good early season form, battling hard in tricky conditions, as he and Will Williams added 23 to take the visitors past the 100.

Bridgwater Mercury: Bryn Diment

Unfortunately Coles (21) fell soon after to a jaffa of a delivery from Adam Hares, and Bridgwater’s innings subsided against Tryfonos, who picked up 4-11 to be the pick of the home sides bowlers.

After tea Bridgwater’s opening attack of Will Williams and Alfie Ogborne started where they left off last week settling into a good rhythm, with Williams getting the breakthrough with the score on 29.

This became 39 for 3 as Dan Williams dismissed bot Tryfonos and Melly soon after. Keeper batsmen Matty Brewer set about repairing the early damage in a watchful innings, as he and George Davey added a crucial 28 for the 4th wicket.

Davey was also dismissed by Dan Williams, playing across the line, and when Elphick was also dismissed LBW to Max Toohey, the home side were tottering at 75 for 5.

This became 91 for 6 when Toohey had Sillars well caught by Dan Williams, however with Brewer still at the crease the home side were favourites.

Bridgwater never gave up and were rewarded with the dismissal of Brewer, run out for a crucial 36 by Toohey, and when Jojo fell soon after to Ogborne, Bedminster still needed 9 with only 2 wickets in hand.

They duly got home in the 41st over thank to Kamuni, with Bridgwater ruing not grinding out an extra 30 runs in the first innings.