The weather was the eventual winner at the Parks on Saturday, as Bridgwater’s game against in form Bedminster was eventually abandoned after a day of great patience from the players, umpires and ground officials, writes Scott Sealey.
The game started on time, with Bridgwater losing another toss and being inserted in perfect bowling conditions, and Bedminster’s opening pace attack of Paul Muchall and Elliott Mason immediately found their rhythm, as the home side fell to 37 for 3 before the first short rain interlude.
Jake Lintott, Kian Roberts and James Regan all fell caught behind as Bridgwater found the early going very tough against the impressive Mason.
A further 6 overs were possible, with Bridgwater losing Charlie Sharland (18) LBW at 51 for 4, as the afternoon rain set in. After an early tea, the forecast torrential rain relented, allowing a 30 over game to continue, with Bridgwater needing quick runs.
This was provided by the talented Luke Pearson-Taylor and in form Ryan Thorpe, as they shared a stand of 71 in only 6.1 overs, taking the home side to 138 for 7 with 4 overs to spare, before Thorpe fell LBW for 24.
Pearson-Taylor is having a fine season and brought up his half century before falling soon after to a very good catch by Matty Brewer, for a sparkling 55 from only 31 balls including nine fours and two sixes.
The remaining Bridgwater batting chased quick runs, however a total of 164 all out off the final ball of the 30 overs still looked favourable result for the fielding side.
The Bedminster target was reduced by Duckworth Lewis Stern, much to the surprise of everyone on the ground including the umpires, so Bridgwater knew quick wickets were a must with the visitors set 153 to win.
This didn’t materialise as Max Tryfonos and Ollie Meadows proceeded with an assertive intent that didn’t look like Bridgwater would be able to gain a foothold in the game. However, perhaps the first bit of fortune for the home side arrived with further heavy rain at 5:30pm, which the players never returned from, leaving Bridgwater to take a hard fought 8 points and remain at the Premier One summit with 7 games to go.
All at the club would like to say a massive thank you to Match Sponsors for the day, Charles Dickens Estate Agents. Next weekend the 2nd XI host Taunton 1st XI in a big game at the top of the WEPL Somerset league, 12pm.
Two Bridgwater sides have made it through to the Somerset Cricket Cup Semi Finals, with the 3rd XI hosting Castle Cary in the Intermediate Cup and the 1st XI hosting Ilminster in the Major Cup. Both games are to be played next week, so please keep an eye on social media for confirmed arrangements.
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