Sledge Hammers them to victory

Having comprehensively battered Bristol in Monday’s league game, The Clanage was hosting Bristol for the quarter-finals of the plate. The coaches weren't resting on their laurels after Monday’s performance however, instilling in the troops with passion and desire, reminding them that this was their big chance of silverware this season.

On winning the toss Dan had no hesitation in putting Bristol in, hoping for another bowling masterclass from the troops. The spinning double-act opened the bowling, Ali uncharacteristically struggling a little with his line, being punished by Bristol’s captain. Joseph forced the breakthrough in his 3rd over, being rather fortuitous to take a wicket with a full-bunger that the batsman just missed. Charlie came on first change bowling neatly, his first two overs being maidens: between the 6th and 9th overs between Joseph and Charlie, only one run was added to the scoreboard, and in the 9th some sublime fielding from Harry resulted in a fantastic run-out. Dan, Brody and George bowled three a piece, George clean bowling number four and six, Bristol ending up with a very gettable 76-5. Although the catch wasn't taken, big credit goes to Jenson for a fantastic effort trying to take a one-handed catch far down to his right, for a moment it looked like he’d pulled off the catch of the season only for the ball to cruelly fall to the floor.

2nd innings (after a very agreeable pint of Bombadier from the bar:)) saw Dan and George walk to the crease, instructions clear, fully focused on the task at hand. The lads played sensible, composed cricket, Dan like a greyhound between the wickets giving Bristol an education in backing up and opportunistic running between the wickets. The first wicket didn't fall until the 6th over by which time the score was already on 38, George out to a fine catch at cover. The big-hitting Ali Butt was next to the crease, looking to wreak havoc once again, giving Bristol horrible flashbacks to Monday night. Between the 7th and 9th overs Dan and Ali plundered 24 runs, Dan batting majestically, playing authentic strokes on both sides of the wicket, Ali punishing anything short with merciless striking through mid-wicket. Dan carried his bat, retiring on 27 at just short of a run a ball, a massive grin greeting the fans as he walked from the pitch. Just when it looked like a cake-walk Bristol struck back, three wickets falling in consecutive balls, first Billy fell victim to a fine catch by the keeper. The keeper added to his performance claiming a fantastic stumping to dismiss Olly the very next ball. Then the next over Ali was bowled by a very impressive spinner (why had they left it so late to introduce their best bowler to the game?!) Jenson was next to the crease, bludgeoning a quick run a ball five before he was victim to the same impressive spinner who had been introduced to the game far too late. It was left to David with a calm head on his shoulders to take a quick single through mid-wicket to bring home the victory for Bedminster.

A brace of comprehensive victories against Bristol CC in the space of four days, a semi-final against Stapleton the reward for another fine performance.