BRIDGWATER'S unbeaten start to 2024 came to an abrupt end at the Parks on Saturday against a classy Bristol side, who won by 143 runs.

Winning an important toss, the Bristol batters posted an imposing 299, which was too much for the home side, who buckled in the first 10 overs of the run chase to lose the game too quickly for their supporters' liking.

Bridgwater, in the field after losing their 4th consecutive toss, started well with the impressive Matt Burton dismissing Kantolinna in his 2nd over with only 4 on the board, and he continued to pose a threat to the Bristol batters as Nic Halstead-Cleak and Curtis Heaphy struggled to exert themselves in the early overs.

Burton was unfortunate that a couple of early edges did not go to hand, as the Bristol batters gained confidence with every over that past.

Halstead-Cleak, one of the best batters in the West of England Premier League, began to exert his authority on proceedings, with some crisp drives on an electric outfield as the Parks looked a picture thanks to the Bridgwater grounds team.

Heaphy built his innings with the minimum of fuss, with his more aggressive partner giving him time to do so.

Bridgwater were slightly off their best in the field as Bristol ran well, picking up several singles that the home fielders would have expected to stop.

As the crowd built in size, Bristol began to dominate, with the hundred coming up in the 19th over. Halstead Cleak was first to his half century, off only 43 balls, with Heaphy following from 57 balls, as Bridgwater struggled to get any foothold in the game, despite Kyran Devitt and Max Toohey both bowling good spells.

Halstead Cleak was at his brutal best, and brought up a deserved hundred, applauded by the appreciative home support, from only 89 balls including 11 fours and 4 sixes. However, he was dismissed shortly after by Charlie Sharland, leaving Bristol 194 for 2 with 15 overs to go.

Credit to Toohey (3-57) as he worked his way through the visitors’ middle order with 3 wickets, and a direct hit run out to dismiss Heaphy for a fine 101 from 131 balls, including 11 fours, as the home side battled hard, however a few dropped catches and missed run outs always obstructed their momentum, with the visitors posting 299 for 8 at tea.

Bridgwater needed a good start to the run chase, as runs can come quickly later in the innings at the Parks, however James Regan was dismissed 1st ball off a top edge, and he was soon followed by the out of form Sharland and Eckland. Luke Pearson-Taylor, promoted to open showed the front line batters how it was done, with a rapid 46 from only 32 balls, however he lacked support from the other end.

Will Smeed, in his final game for Bridgwater before the T20 Blast, unfortunately fell to a catch in the outfield, and this left Bridgwater in a hopeless position at 62 for 5.

The in form Mike Coles dropped anchor in pursuit of batting points, and he eventually found a partner in Dan Williams, as they added 49 for the 8th wicket, however Williams (14) dismissal left Coles with no choice but to chance his arm, which he did to good effect reaching his half century from 66 balls, before being last out for 60, with Bridgwater all out for 156.

Many Thanks to Main Sponsor Charles Dickens Estate Agents, Match Ball Sponsor TMB Patterns Ltd and Match Sponsor Create Builders Ltd.

Next weekend, Bridgwater visit Potterne, with the 2nds hosting Yeovil, 12pm start.