Bridgwater kept their quest for the Premier One championship alive with a thoroughly convincing win over league leaders Bath by 226 runs. The win was set up by one of the finest opening partnerships to grace the Parks in many years, with James Regan (151) and Joseph Eckland (119) putting on 269 for the first wicket in 38 overs, allowing the Bridgwater to post a mammoth 381 for 6.

Alex Eckland won only his 4th toss out of 16, however this was an important toss to win as this allowed the home side to play their natural game and post a total to put the visitors under pressure in the second innings. Regan and Eckland obliged, starting watchfully against some tight Bath bowling, with Eckland taking his time, whilst Regan was the more aggressive from the off. Regan brought a well-made fifty from only 45 balls and the hundred partnership came inside 19 overs, with Regan scing 83 of them. The visitors, to their credit bowled tightly, and did not concede an extra to the 34th over, which is quite remarkable, however they couldn’t defend against the Bridgwater onslaught, with Eckland bringing up his fifty from 64 balls, as he accelerated through the gears in quick time.

Regan was first to his hundred from only 93 balls, including 11 fours and 4 sixes, and Eckland hundred was accomplished soon after, from only 96 balls with 10 fours and 4 sixes. With the score rattling past 200 and 250, in the 37th over, Bath were wondering if they would ever get the breakthrough before Eckland succumbed to a catch ay short third man off of overseas bowler McKegg for a 119. Regan followed soon after bringing up his 150, for a fantastic 151 off only 127 balls, showing the huge crowd at the Parks why he is one of the most destructive batters in the league.

George Bartlett, now a professional cricketer at Northamptonshire, came and went for 6, however it was Charlie Sharland (32 from 16), Luke Pearson-Taylor (23 from 14) and Alex Eckland (28no from 16), who allowed Bridgwater to continue to accumulate quickly in the final 10 overs, to post an outstanding 381 for 6 at tea.

After tea, Matty Burton and Pearson-Taylor were out of the blocks quickly as they reduce Bath to 4 for 3 inside two overs, the 3rd wicket an outstanding slip catch by Mike Coles, leaping high above his head. This knocked the stuffing out of Bath’s much vaunted batting line up, as 381 looked a long way off. Harry Ellison (40) and Ben Wells (29) rebuilt the innings, with both looking in good touch, however when both fell in quick succession to change bowlers Sharland (1-27) and Harminder Singh (1-27), the visitors were all but defeated at 76 for 5.

Bridgwater worked hard through the remainder of  the innings to restrict Bath of many bonus points, as Pearson-Taylor returned from the Park road end to pick up 4-52, supported by Max Toohey (3-19) in cleaning up the tail and delivering a resounding win against the league leaders. Bridgwater supporters will be left wondering what happened at last weeks defeat to Frocester, however their side are still in the title race with two games to go for the first time since 2012.

Many Thanks to Match Sponsors Trelleborg Sealing Solutions Ltd and Main Sponsors Charles Dickens Estate Agents. Next weekend Bridgwater are again at the Parks, as they host Taunton St Andrews in a local derby, 12pm.