North Petherton CC - 1st XI 132 / 7 (20) lost to Bridgwater CC - 2nd XI 138 / 5 (20)

IN the SCF Major Cup Quarter Final played at North Petherton last week, it was Bridgwater Seconds who claimed the bragging rights.

The home side won the toss and inserted Bridgwater on a dry pitch but with a very slow outfield due to heavy rain storms during the day.

The visitors openers of Harminder Singh and Scott Clapp struggled against the pace of the excellent Mondi Khumalo (1-20).  With only 30 on the board after the 6 over power play and two wickets down, a run injection was needed and this was provided by skipper Ally Witts who scored an impressive 49 off 30 balls (3 x 6's and 3 x 4's).  He was well supported by Clapp (36) and Stu Butt (12) but good bowling from the home bowlers kept the score in check until the last over. 

At this stage Andy Skidmore (18no) and Olli Gribble (17no) hit 3 sixes off the last over to take 20 crucial runs off it and set NP and much more challenging total, given the conditions.  Lewis knight took 2-24.

In reply, North Petherton got off to flyer scoring 44 in the power play as Tom Lott (28) and Lloyd Irish (23) put on 49 for the first wicket. 

However, the introduction of Matt Habberfield changed the game as the wily spinner took 3 wickets for only 18 runs off his 4 overs.

Wickets then fell steadily as Scott Clapp (1-20) and Chris Singleton (1-14) in an excellent 3 over spell at the death, kept the runs in check despite good knocks from Lewis Irish (19) and Khumalo (15). 

They were helped by two sharp run outs by Singh and 'keeper Gribble as NP needing 17 off the last over, fell 6 runs short.

It had been an absorbing match played in difficult conditions for both sides.

Bridgwater 2nd X1 now host either Ilminster or Yeovil in the Semi final at The Parks on Sunday 20th August, 10.00am start.