Bridgwater moved to the summit of the West of England Premier One with a superb display of great skill and character at Lansdown on Saturday, as their spirit saw them to a narrow 7 run victory.
The win on a difficult wicket was largely down to a forceful rescue innings of 49 from Ryan Thorpe to get his side to a competitive 188 all out, which was followed by some high class seam bowling from Matt Burton (3-27) and Carlos Brathwaite (4-20).
Bridgwater were inserted by the home side and made another excellent start through James Regan (23) and Joseph Eckland (40) against a testing opening attack on a spicy wicket. Supported by Sharland and Alex Eckland, Bridgwater were looking good for a score in excess of 200 at 85 for 2 from 23 overs, with Joseph providing the solid foundation required.
However, after drinks, the returning Josh Smith ripped through the visitors middle order with a high class spell, which put Lansdown in the ascendency and Bridgwater reeling at 130 for 8.
Enter the in form powerhouse that is Ryan Thorpe, who provided the expert counterattack as he put bat to ball in a swashbuckling 49 from only 32 balls, including three fours and four sixes, in a stand of 52 with Burton. The visitors were dismissed for 188 all out with seven overs to spare, giving them a chance with their powerful bowling attack.
Burton immediately got to work after tea, as in tandem with Ned Leonard, they reduced Lansdown to 24 for 3. A decent partnership between Mark Lezar and George Scott repaired the early damage, and when Brathwaite picked up his first wicket by clean bowling Lezar for 18, the home side were 63 for 4 with work to do.
Scott (30) then found another good ally in Praneel Choughule as they added a handy 32, however two quick wickets for Max Toohey and the returning Burton (3-27) left Lansdown 115 for 6 and in need of a partnership. This they got, as Choughule continued to take command, supported by Smith, and Lansdown were favourites while these two remained at the crease.
Skipper Eckland reintroduced his trump card in West Indian Brathwaite, as he then picked up 3 quick wickets to leave Lansdown still needing 26 from the last pair, although Smith (44no) was still at the crease. Some lusty blows took Lansdown to within 8 runs of victory, however Max Toohey (2-38) was to hold his nerve, dismissing the last man bowled, signalling wild scenes of celebration amongst the Bridgwater team and supporters.
The win takes Bridgwater above Bath with 7 games remaining, and next weekend they host in form Bedminster at the Parks, 12pm. Many Thanks to Main Sponsor Charles Dickens Estate Agents and Match Travel Sponsor Dean Motors.
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