Lechlade leave Bedminster Bottom

With both teams promoted to the WEPL Prem 1 from their respective leagues this was always going to be an interesting opening encounter. Lechlade won the toss and in cold and cloudy conditions stuck Bedminster into bat. Liam Smith (6-1-23-1) and Freddie Martin blew away the top order leaving a shell shocked Bedminster 11 for 4 after 5 overs. A crucial 79 run partnership between Mark Alleyne and Richard Sillars (55 from 57 balls), who was looking in impressive form hitting 12 fours, brought some respect to the score, until Sillars chopped skipper Freddie Martin (7-1-30-3) onto his stumps. Running out of partners Alleyne showed both patience and class, until young Harvey Jupp (2-0-13-2), who had earlier took a fantastic diving caught and bowled to remove Carter, gained revenge on Alleyne (61 from 83 balls) for hitting him for four then six, with his final ball of the 34th over as he bowled him leaving Bedminster 149 all out.

With Lechlade needing only 3 runs an over it was a controlled reply, Ryan Higgins (17) was bowled by James Carter (5-1-11-1) with the score on 33 in the 10th over. Benny Ellis (4) who had played against Bedminster for Gloucester Academy in the friendly last week was run out by Miles Hammond. Tom Young (40) looked good on the back foot, until he mistimed a delivery from Sai Kumani (6-1-29-1) being caught by Chris McCormack at mid off, giving Bedminster a glimmer of hope with Lechlade on 78-3 shortly before the half way mark. However Bradley Dial (50 off 58 balls) and Freddie Martin (32 off 38) ensured Lechlade reached the target of 150-3 in the 37th over, and another batting point in the process.

The result meant Bedminster only picked up one batting and bowling point leaving them bottom of WEPL Prem 1 after the first found of games. Bedminster will be looking for their first win of the season, and full availability from their squad, face a tough challenge next week as they host top of the table Potterne, who defeated Bristol in their first encounter.

Thanks go to Lechlade for being fantastic hospitality shown to the Bedminster team and the travelling support.