Midsomer Norton’s first XI have gone top of the WEPL Bristol and North Somerset table after a crushing victory over Old Bristolians last Saturday at Withies Lane. With a stunning eight wicket victory, Midsomer Norton both buried the blues of their worst performance of the season at Old Bristolians and pressed their case for promotion to the Second Division.

When they played the visitors earlier in the year, Norton didn’t really show up. They were listless in suffering their first loss of the season. On Saturday, however, Norton showed just how far they have come, with an accurate and brutal bowling display, followed by an equally brutal run chase.

Old Bristolians were bowled out for just 77, Andy Cox, the chief destroyer, with 4–10 in his ten over spell, which included six maidens. Brother, Martin Cox, was equally stingy with the ball, bowling six maidens himself in a spell of 2–9 from nine overs. Ben Strang also claimed two wickets for 33, while Niel Brooks and Nick Pang had a wicket each. Only three players reached double figures for the visitors, such was the intensity of Norton’s bowling.

With a small target to chase, Norton went out aggressive and had the win completed inside eleven overs. Alex Lear went big early, with a six down the ground from a free hit, before falling for thirteen from just eight balls. That brought Strang to the crease and he carved the ball to all parts of the ground in a brisk 35 from 24 balls. He hit two sixes, including one which sounded like a shotgun as it came flying off the blade.

Norton got home with just two wickets down, handing them a big eight wicket win. With Winterbourne slipping up at Pak Bristolians, the win sent Norton to the top of the league with seven games remaining. Norton take on Bath CC Second XI at Withies Lane this Saturday. The game starts at 1 p.m.

On the same day, the Second and Third teams are both playing away – the Seconds travel to Long Ashton and the Thirds visit Bristol United Banks. The Sunday XI hope to consolidate their position at the top of the North Somerset Cricket League Conference Division One, when they take on fourth-placed Bear Flat at Withies Lane. The game starts at 2 p.m.

On Friday evening, the U-19 Greencaps have a home fixture against Frome Falcons. The match starts at 6 p.m.

Charlie Matthews