Six From Six as Bedminster move to fourth in WEPL Prem 1

The last time the teams met they could not be separated with a thrilling tie at The Clanage, both scoring 213. However, this time Bedminster, looking to extend their five game winning run, were three points and one place ahead of hosts Bridgwater.

With rain forecast skipper Carter won the toss and with no hesitation chose to bowl. On home soil Bridgwater made a steady start before Jack Gibbs made the break through Todd Barrett (9) looping one up to Tom Pugsley in the eighth over with 23 runs on the board. Despite Gibbs wicket maiden Carter brought himself on and in his second over he trapped Thomas Barrett (4) LBW. Runs dried up as Chris Grange (23) was caught by Richard Sillars at silly mid off from spinner George Drissell. No further runs were added as Stuart was bowled by Carter (10-4-20-2) for a 13 ball duck.

Gibbs returned and had Bridgwater skipper Merv Hallaran (1) caught by Joe Millard. The next over keeper Alfie Jacques was alert to a bat pad coming from behind his stumps to catch Jonathan Vickery (2) off Drissell (10-3-24-2), Bridgwater were struggling at 44 for 6 inside 21 overs. Alastair Witts (11) offered brief resistance before he was bowled by Mark Alleyne.

Jacques took a diving catch to his right off Gibbs (10-3-59-3) dismissing Kiwi William Williams (41 from 46 balls) to end a crucial 83 run partnership with Chris Singleton, Bridgwater were now 150-8 in the 44th over. Bedminster's fielding was looking a little ragged as many chances had gone begging and the game seemed to be slipping away from them, as Singleton, who was dropped on two, brought up his half century. Chris Skidmore's 37 off 16 balls was short and sweet when he was bowled by Richard Sillars, Bridgwater were now 207-9 seeking their highest score at The Parks this season in the league. Tail-ender Andrew Roberts (2 not out) sensibly gave his partner the strike and a two from Singleton (70 not out) off the penultimate ball ensured Bridgwater achieved both maximum batting points and their best score in front of the home crowd as they posted a very competitive 225-9.

Due to the rain falling in the first innings with more forecast the scorers were busy calculating and printing out the Duckworth Lewis Stern score sheets. Bedminster started positively until Skidmore's short ball was fended off by Drissell (7) only to be caught in the slips by Butt, this wicket resulting in Bedminster going from being well ahead of DLS to level the par score of 26 at the end of the sixth over.

Following recent form Tom Pugsley was promoted to number three to join Sai Kamuni who had returned to his opening spot. Kamuni raced to 29 from as many balls before he was adjudged LBW to Williams, Bedminster were now 47 for two and went from being 15 runs ahead to two runs behind on DLS.

Pugsley (12) and Rob Cunliffe 13 run partnership was ended with the former caught by Williams off the impressive Andrew Roberts (5-2-8-1), again the wicket resulted in the visitors falling behind the current DLS score this time by a bigger 14 run margin after thirteen overs.

With DLS not kicking in until 20 overs, following which a result would be possible, Bedminster showed faith in 15 year old Millard who was maturing beyond his years as he went out to join veteran Cunliffe. The rain was now falling and getting heavier and the game was ebbing and flowing between the sides. Bridgwater turned to the spin of Bevan to try and get the required overs in. His initial over was a maiden but he went for 26 off his next three, including two maximums back over his head by Cunliffe. Bedminster with Cunliffe, who was given a lifeline by Bridgwater, and Millard tactically scampering singles were now on 88 after 20 overs, two ahead of the DLS par score, meaning a result would now be achieved as the rain was getting heavier.

The singles and extras in effect kept Bedminster one over head of the required DLS par score, but the batsmen were conscious that a wicket would possibly cost them the game. At 21.3 overs the umpires brought the players off the pitch and they never returned so Bedminster on 92-3 won by 2 runs, with Cunliffe and Millard ending on 24 and 8 not out respectively.

The result moves Bedminster up to forth in WEPL Prem 1, and next week they will be looking to extend their six match winning run hoping home advantage will assist them as they face the tough challenge of second placed Clevedon.