All round team performance too much for Twyford.........

On the 17th June Bedminster 2nds entertained Twyford House on an absolute scorcher of a day at the Clanage.

With skipper Tryfonos again bowing out of the match due to his back problems but still sticking around to watch the match thanks to a stunning lack of alternative options, Vikash Patel once again took the reins for Bedminster.

Patel started well, winning the toss and electing to bat on a wicket with one boundary that was a good 5 paces shorter than Lewis Mason’s highly unnecessary run up.

Having been given a rousing speech in front of the team, opener Simon Roche defied all expectations as he played not one, but two attacking shots in the first 5 overs, powering past the relatively snail like pace of Reece Johns.

With the score at 68 after the first ten overs, and Roche attempting something resembling front foot movement, optimism was high for a big total. Unfortunately, like Tryfonos’ drinking throughout the day, Roche inevitably could not keep his early pace up and following the loss of Reece John who middled one onto his pads, only to be triggered by Duckworth and Chris McCormack, who attempted to pull a ball off his ankles, Bedminster slowed their early pace, reaching 100 just after the 23rd over.

Having survived a number of plum LBW shouts, Roche arrived at a well earned 50 shortly after, before attempting one defensive shot too many and being trapped in front finally putting the middle order out of their mystery.

This brought Patel to the crease who set about dispatching the Twyford bowlers to the boundary, including a six to get off the mark. Not to be outdone, his batting partner Tom Rothero decided to join in, albeit with less success as he proceeded to hit 50 singles to long off in one of the dullest innings to ever grace the Clanage, only worsened by his celebration. With both batsmen reaching deserved 50’s, Patel was next to fall.

Despite Lewis Mason insisting that if he were out in the middle he could dispatch any bowler for six with a switch hit, logic prevailed and instead debutant Nazrul Kadir was sent out, much to the annoyance of the rest of the Bedminster team who had to continue to sit through Mason’s inane ramblings on the game the decision was to pay off. Kadir pummelling 4 boundaries in quick succession whilst having to witness a highly embarrassing Display from Rothero at the same time. With Rothero failing off the last ball finally attempting a different shot in the form of a scoop, Bedminster finished on 231/4 #village.

Its safe to say that that opening bowlers House and Duckworth have not been prolific with the wickets so far this year, sharing a total of 3 between them coming into the match. The delight therefore was evident for Duckworth when he had Twyfords opener caught behind in the opening over. Sparking scenes of jubilation, it was only on Duckworths third round of high fives with the slip fielders and a double higher ten with Jaques that he realised the decision had been given as not out. The funny side was not seen for some time. With both opening bowlers showing once again that when they remember to bowl a good line they are a force to be reckoned with, both picked up an opener apiece, Duckworth with a caught behind and House bowled. With a strong start behind them, Mason came into the attack, striking with his first ball which was superbly caught behind by Alfie Jacques.

Now that Newman had joined the attack as well, both bowlers set about their usual routines of leg side wides mixed with long hops and full bunger. Mason picked up another two wickets in quick succession and Newman one sending a double fist pump to the crowd acknowledging his first wicket in June. Newman sensing the end of his spell and his replacement, employed a selfless bit of team tactics, hurling the ball into the floor in an attempt to rough up the ball for spinner Kadir, definitely not in a rage about his repeated wides. The tactic worked, with Kadir picking up 2 wickets.

With Duckworth returning to the attack and picking up another wicket, it was left to none other than that man of the moment Kadir who sealed an excellent debut performance by throwing down the stumps and ending the Twyford innings on 128, a victory of 103 runs for Bedminster.

Kadir in his post match interview dedicated his performance to the bus driver who got him to the game in the nick of time against all odds.

Bedminster look forward to a local derby at Lodway next week and hope to keep the pressure on Hsmpset who've won 7 from 7.