METHODISTS bounced back to winning form with a six-wicket home victory over Whitchurch at a windy Norton Hill.

The visitors' batters got off to a slow start - scoring 24-2 in ten overs - but then quickly doubled the score in the next four, thanks to several boundaries from Harry Watkins (18). Methodists' opening bowlers Paul Evans (2-23) and Daniel Shearn (2-23) pegged them back again with some quick wickets, before spinner Craig Eyles winkled out the experienced Simon Meszaros (17), leaving Whitchurch wobbling on 53-5.

Skipper Craig Wedmore and all-rounder Shinto Siby steadied things with a patient stand of 40 runs in 12 overs, until Eyles (2-24) finally removed Wedmore (10) and a sharp run-out sent Siby (29) back to the pavilion. Keeper Rob MIlkins saw the visitors to three-figures, but then a flurry of wickets from Charlotte Hazell (2-12) and Iain Locke (1-1) quickly wrapped the innings up for 107 in the 35th over.

After tea, tidy spells from Siby (1-14) and Josh Gwyther (1-17) found the Methodists' batters in a similar position to the first innings - 21-2 in the ninth over - but fortunately for the home team, they had the experienced Locke (20) and Eyles (38) to dig them out of trouble.

Methodists 108-4, Whitchurch 3rds 107 all out