Comfortable win for the threes

Bedminster 3rd XI comfortably chase their target after restricting the Taveners to 203-6.

Match report by Ben Cunliffe

Bedminster Three’s had the pleasure of playing at Frys, the Lords of the Southwest against Taveners CC 1st XI. As usual Skipper Harry Pleass went out to the middle to toss and rather unusually he actually won it. With everyone in the team hoping to see Harry mimic batting to indicate that it was time for his superstar batsmen to strap them on, instead he wheeled his arm over. The only positive about bowling first was the second change bowler Andy Sheldrake would have another pop at opening the bowling.

Sheldrake’s first couple of balls were sharp with one just missing the edge of the bat by mm. At the other end Bailey Peacock bowled an excellent line and length. After a few overs passed by the batsmen attempted to loft Shellars over his head for 4 but the lightening quick outfield denied that happening

After a tight opening spell from Bailey and Shellars, Adam Mawer came on to bowl and started off with the loosest of loseners before going on to trouble the batsmen. From the other end Shaz, the real opening bowler, entered the attack. Together Adam and Shaz kept the run rate down during the middle overs. Near the end of Shaz’s spell the batsmen looked to open their shoulders and hit a few more boundaries, which brought a wicket as Adam took a screamer of a catch that he didn’t even expect himself to take.

Kish Patel, who was making his third team debut after a good start to the season in the fours, came in to bowl and bowled well to claim 2 wickets. As the Taveners innings came to an end, Joe Shean came on to bowl and despite bowling slower than me took a wicket as the Taveners finished on 203 for 6 off 45 overs.

We walked back in to the luxurious sports hall to have teas which impressed us all!

In pursuit of 203, Jon Jones and the inform Ben Cunliffe, coming off a superb 69, opened the innings. The pair batted sensibly, bringing up the 50 off 10 overs. Unfortunately much to the disappointment of the crowd, Cunliffe was unluckily caught out at square leg for 16. Joe Shean came in at number 3 and had an up close view as Jon started to set about the bowling racing to fifty, whilst Sheaner also helped himself to a neat fifty.

After that, the pair really started to pick the run rate up with 4’s and 6’s. It wasn’t long lived for Sheaner who holed out for 60, whilst Jones took the bowling to pieces. Sheaner’s wicket brought Sam Hedges to the wicket. Despite an edgy start, Sam quickly found the middle of the bat as he smashed 4's straight as he selfishly hogged the strike and denied Jon a well-deserved hundred. Bedminster chased down their target in the 39th over with Jones finishing unbeaten on 97 and Hedges 20 not out too.

It was an excellent all round performance with Lee Shorney’s contribution standing out. Thanks for coming Shorney! The team will take confidence as they get to return to the picturesque Frys next week … You can pencil me in for runs.

See the match scorecard on play cricket.