Ilminster CC  219 -7 (20ovs) lost to Bridgwater 2nd X1 220-6 (20ovs)

IN a pulsating match at The Parks, Chris Singleton hit a massive 6 off the very last ball to see his side home against a powerful Ilminster side on Sunday.

Choosing to bat first on an excellent hybrid pitch, Ilminster's dangerous top three moved the score to 40 off the first 4 overs, a rate that was increased as the score was moved to 163-4 off 14 overs. 

Overseas player Adeesha Nanayakkara struck a belligerent 89 (5x6's, 10x4's) supported by George Hayward (33), Jon Hurford (27) and Ben Johnston (23). 

A score of 240 plus was on the cards but Bridgwater's bowlers stuck gamely to their task, slowing the rate with timely wickets and good catches in the deep. 

Closing on an impressive 219-6, the visitors must have been very confident of defending such a massive total.

Harrison Hambly (2-26) bowled very well at the death, supported by Matt Habberfield (2-42).

In reply, Scott Clapp struck the first 2 balls for 10 but was then caught third ball and an unfortunate mix up saw Stu Butt run out on the same score. 

However, skipper Ali Witts joined Harminder Singh and the pair were to take the Ilminster bowlers to task, putting on a magnificent partnership of 146 off the next 14 overs. 

Witts was out for 70 off 30 balls (8x6's 3x4's) followed next over by Singh (74 off 43 balls 2x6's 11x4's) to give Ilminster some hope, as 64 were required off the last 5 overs, Bridgwater's middle order were up to the task as Andrew Skidmore with a rapid 17 and James Salt (12no), kept the score moving along at pace.

30 were required off the last 2 overs and then 14 off the last, when it was left to Singleton to produce his heroics, smashing 18 off only 5 balls with a six off the last ball to take his side to a remarkable win over a side who were clear favourites to win the match.

Bridgwater 2nd X1 now play WEPL Premier 1 Champions Bath CC in the Major Cup Final at SCCC on Sunday 3rd September at 1pm.

Bridgwater 'A' 94-6 (20ovs)  lost to Castle Cary CC (98-6) (19.1ovs)

Elsewhere, Bridgwater's third X1 gave an excellent account of themselves in a hard fought semi final played in a fine spirit on Sunday, at Castle Cary.

They collapsed to 32-6 with none of the top five making double figures.  It was left to the experienced Stu Watson (35no) and Kiwi Ross Deans (26no) to add a gutsy unbroken 62 to set some sort of target. 

Alan Henly (20) saw his side home with 5 balls to spare leaving the young Bridgwater side to rue Atkins missed chance and perhaps too attacking fields in the last four overs.

The postponed Baker Cup Final between Bridgwater CC and Taunton St. Andrews CC, will be played at SCCC on Monday 4th September with a 4.30PM start.