Bridgwater CC 178 / 2 (24.1) def. Taunton Deane CC 177 / All out (36.2)

BRIDGWATER got their season back on track with a convincing victory over relegation threatened local rivals Taunton Deane, winning by 8 wickets to pickup a crucial 22 points.

This was a convincing performance with the home side never in any danger of not delivering a win, which was testimony to Head Coach Piers McBride and the players hard work during a difficult period of July.

On winning the toss, the visitors chose to bat first, however were immediately in some trouble as seamer Dan Williams picked up two early wickets to see the back of Harry Smith (6) and Finn Hill (0) leaving them 13 for 2.

Tenny Harlow made the most of a life to steer a partial recovery, supported by Nick Viljoen, as they took the score to 59 before Kiwi pacer Jarrod McKay dismissed Viljoen (17) in a hostile downhill spell.

The aggressive Nick Peppar (23) then joined Harlow, as the Deane enjoyed their most successful spell of the afternoon, putting on a further 39 in only 6 overs, before left arm chinamen bowler Jake Lintott got into the game by dismissing Peppar with a sharp caught and bowled.

Harlow continued to bat nicely, growing in confidence, and he found a solid partner in Amam Rao, as they added 50 either side of the drinks break, to put the game on a more even footing at 148 for 4 after 30 overs.

The introduction of Charlie Sharland’s off spin secured the breakthrough, having Harlow stumped by Eckland for a well made 54, and this sparked a batting collapse as none of the remaining batters to get to grips with Lintott, who went through the lower order like a knife through butter, as the visitors collapsed to 177 all out, with Rao the last batter to be dismissed for 42.

Lintott finished with figures of 5-44, his first 5 wicket haul for Bridgwater, as the players left the field happy with their work. Williams finished with figures of 2-28, Sharland 2-23 and McKay somewhat unlucky on 1-31.

After a superb tea, Andrew Hallaran (5) fell early, however Mike Coles was in brutal form, dismissing the Deane opening bowlers with an arrogance and aplomb to leave the game beyond doubt as the Bridgwater 50 was brought up in the 8th over and 100 in the 15th over.

Coles was well supported by the in-form Charlie Sharland, who began watchfully before getting into his stride with boundaries all around the wicket, with the Deane bowlers having no answer to this pair.

The only surprise was that Coles was to fall with the score on 138 for a fine 70 off only 48 balls with 6 fours and 5 sixes.

Tom Lace joined Sharland and steered the side home with an unbeaten 15, whilst Sharland eased his way to fine undefeated 80 from 66 balls, including 10 fours and 4 sixes, to see Bridgwater maintain their current 3rd placed position in Premier One.

Next weekend Bridgwater host Chippenham at the Parks, 12:30pm.