MSN Methodists 225-3

Chilcompton Sports 2nds 109 all out

A break in the recent wet weather allowed the Methodists to begin their BDCA league fixtures by entertaining local rivals Chilcompton Sports 2nd XI at a sunny Norton Hill.

Batting first, the hosts got off to a strong start with Alex Nash and Mark Robinson enjoying conditions and putting on 98 runs for the first wicket. The pair were eventually parted after a change of bowling - Adam Zalel trapping Robinson (35) and bringing Craig Eyles to the crease to join Nash. Another 50 runs were added before Nash's attacking innings of 79 was brought to a close by the spin of Miles Hadrill (2-38), but in-form Eyles (67) and Stuart Green then further strengthened the home side's position with 74 for the third wicket, taking the Methodists to an excellent 225-3 at tea.

After the break, Chilcompton were never allowed to build enough momentum to challenge for the victory. Opening bowlers Charlotte Hazell and Paul Evans set the tone with disciplined initial spells, batters Dave Travis and Lee Clevely (32) setting a solid platform for the visitors with 39 from ten overs, but the introduction of Robinson (3-4) and Iain Locke (2-9) broke their stand. Quickly ending the visitors' dreams of winning, the score slumped from 51-1 to 57-6. Some resistance from Gareth Rogers and Stuart Plummer (22) took the total to three figures, but spinner Eyles (3-9) then wrapped the innings up, giving the Methodists a handsome home win.