Bedminster 3rd XI continued their title challenge by winning their sixth game in a row and eighth out their last nine, away to Chilcompton sports.
A one sided contest against Chilcompton demonstrated Bedminster's strength in depth as they continue their title tilt. Opposition Chilcompton Sports 1st XI, were missing a number of players from the team, which beat Bedminster earlier in the season, whilst Bedminster had a couple of changes with Adam Mawer, a regular in the thirds this year, being called up to the second team and Tom Rothero coming back from injury. Coming into the match the third XI were one point ahead of their nearest rivals Winterbourne, as Harry Pleass won the toss and decided to bowl, as he has every time he has won the toss this season.
Chilcompton then proceeded to be rolled over for 63 with veteran Andy Sheldrake, bowling a nagging line and length as always, to take 4 wickets and rip the heart out of Chilcompton's innings. Bailey Peacock supported Shellers well, at the other end, bowling economically and taking 1 for 15. Harry Drissell, who has pushed hard for selection in the third XI all year, through performances in the fourths, bowled impressively to take 3-17 and take his opportunity to show he belongs at this level. The other wicket takers were Shazil Butt and Tom Rothero who chipped in with one apiece as they cleaned up the lower order.
A target of 63, never threatened to be any trouble for Bedminster to chase, despite losing the wickets of Lee Shorney (16) and Ben cunliffe (8). Jon jones with and Kruz Belcher with 22 not out and 9 not out, ensured there would be no batting collapse, as Bedminster secured the victory and 30 points.
After all the results from this weeks round of matches Bedminster are now 11 points clear of second (Bath) and 28 ahead of 3rd (Winterbourne), meaning a win next week against ninth placed Taveners , will secure the title.
See the match scorecard on play cricket.