Drizzle needed for 3s as Winterbourne end winning run

In a game most predicted would be curtailed by the weather, Bedminster restricted Winterbourne to 184-9 off their 45 overs, before losing their final wicket to a run out and falling tantalisingly short of their target.

After winning the toss, on a very green looking wicket, Bedminster’s bowlers restricted scoring through accurate bowling as the pitch played better than it looked. Andy Sheldrake was as metronomic as ever, bowling four maidens, whilst taking 2 for 24 including a one handed return catch. He was ably supported by Bailey Peacock, before the spinners came on and attempted to squeeze the innings. Through the middle overs, Shazil Butt (9-0-1-30) continued his excellent form as he bowled with patience and accuracy, whilst Kishan and then Ahsaan Butt (1-35) supported him well from the other end. Chris Giles, making a guest appearance in the threes, bowled at the death taking two wickets, whilst Bailey Peacock came back to finish with 1 for 28 as Winterbourne made 184 for 9. At the half way point this seemed like a very gettable score.

Roche and Shorney opened Bedminster’s reply. Lee Shorney then proceeded to make a mockery of batting, as he went off like a train, hitting 5 sixes and 5 fours as he reached his fifty in only the fifth over of the innings. At that point it looked like the game could be finished very quickly, however Shorney fell next ball, with the keeper taking a steepler as he looked to go for another six. Ben Cunliffe batting at number 3 came and went in a ball, edging behind. Chris Giles walked to the wicket and the proceeded to run out Simon Roche, as the threes went from cruising to seemingly in trouble. Skipper Harry Pleass and Gilo then built a partnership as they looked to move the chase forward, however the drinks break brought with it two wickets, Giles tamely chipping to mid-off and Pleass lbw. Dot balls built up and wickets fell, as Bedminster went from having been 60 for no loss in the 5th over to 120 for 8 in the 33rd.

At this point, Ahsaan Butt was joined by Andy Sheldrake and the pair played excellent percentage cricket. They blocked the good ball, pushed singles and hit the loose ball to the boundary, as they kept up with the rate. Together they took the threes to the edge of victory, until after having batted so well in the 43rd over Ahsaan was tempted to charge down the track and was stumped. Bailey Peacock came in at number 11 and after absorbing a couple of dot balls he bravely clipped the bowler over mid-on for four to take the required rate below a run a ball. The match went to the final over with 7 runs required for victory. After two singles off the first two balls, Sheldrake launched the bowler into the outfield and Peacock called him through for two. An accurate throw from the boundary caught Shellers short of the crease as Winterbourne won by 3 runs.

Despite the loss Bedminster are now placed fourth and promotion is still on the cards. Next week’s game against Pak Bristolians will be an opportunity to get back to winning.

See the match scorecard on play cricket.