Stoke Bishop Trilogy ends in victory

The under 11’s were up against Stoke Bishop for the third time this season, having beaten them in a pre-season friendly but losing to them in the cup. Tonight was a league game, a victory would put the boys second behind the unstoppable YMCA. After a few days of very un-Bristol like weather the temperature had dropped to more manageable levels for the players. Bedminster opened the bowling, Charlie and Joseph ( or as the Stoke Bishop players referred to him, “The Spinning Midget” :)) bowling well in tandem, Charlie striking first with a well pitched up delivery in his second over, repeating the feat in the same over to claim his second. The outfield was as hard as rock offering the batsmen good value for their shots, Bedminster also giving them a helping hand with some uncharacteristic sloppiness in the field leading to over-throws. Stoke Bishop’s star batsman was on song again, pulling towards the leg-side boundary whenever he had the opportunity, and dispatching Charlie for a 6 off his final over. Joseph finally claimed his scalp thanks to a fine catch from Harry at extra cover. Dan and Brody were first change, Dan bowling a fine maiden opening over and Brody bowling with good economy, going for just 9 runs off his four overs and claiming a wicket. It was good to see the leg spin of Qasim making an appearance, bowling several deliveries that foxed the Stoke Bishop batsmen, and he was deservedly rewarded when Billy took an easy catch at point. Billy featured again with his bowling, generating some good pace, one delivery spitting and catching the batsman high on the forearm. Billy took the sixth wicket of the innings, a late flurry taking Stoke Bishop to 94-6 from their 20 overs. Harry and Olly opened the Bedminster batting making an assured start taking the score to 19 before Harry was outdone by the pace, or lack of, on a delivery that was so slow it was lucky to make it as far as the stumps:) Dan was the next man in who was looking good before he was claimed caught and bowled by their star player, whose bowling was as entertaining and attacking as his batting. He struck again the next ball claiming Billy’s wicket, was he going to claim the victory for them almost single-handed? Jake came to the crease next, playing a very mature innings, looking to take quick singles to return the strike to the hard-hitting Olly. Olly retired on 28 not out, David replacing him at the crease. Jake and David played a fine, controlled innings together, characterised by sharp running, solid defence from Jake when necessary and David pulling well, claiming his first boundary for Bedminster. The lads bought home the victory with three overs to spare, an impressive and confidence building performance by Jake and David.