MIDSOMER NORTON 1sts 153-4 BRISTOL 1sts 152-7

Cricket returned to Midsomer Norton Cricket Club’s Withies Lane HQ last weekend when the first of the 2019 season’s friendly fixtures started in sunny, but sometimes chilly, conditions.

Bristol finished mid-table in the West of England Premier League Premier One in 2018 – one level above Midsomer

Norton – and so provided good, competitive opposition for Midsomer Norton as they prepare for their second season in WEPL Premier Two, following promotion in 2017.

Captained by Martin Cox, the home side won the toss and decided to field in the forty-over contest. Tight bowling restricted run-scoring opportunities for the visitors, and although only one wicket fell in the first twenty overs, the fifty didn’t show on the scoreboard until the 21st over.

Four of the five players making their debuts for Midsomer Norton shared some of the bowling duties, including Gary Filer, who was wicketless but conceded just eighteen runs from eight overs; new club coach, Jake Rowe, who took 2-20, and Paul Robbins, who took 1-24. The other wicket-takers were Daniel Chard (1-21) and Josh Sutton (2-36).

Andrew Cox conceded only six runs from five overs at the start of the innings. After their slow start, Bristol stepped things up in the second half of their innings and reached 152-7 by the end of their forty overs. Caleb Rowe, Coach and brother of Jake, took three catches. Opener, Lisle Durrans, scored 53.

The run chase didn’t start well for Midsomer Norton. Openers, Nick Cox and Martin Cox, both went early on, and after the dismissals of Caleb Rowe and Paul Robbins, the home side were struggling at 49-4. New boys, Jake Rowe (54 not-out) and keeper, John Carroll (58 not-out), then steadied the ship and a century partnership saw the home side secure victory in the 32nd over, with plenty of time to spare. John Carrol scored his runs at more than a run per ball.

This Saturday, there is another friendly fixture at Withies Lane, with Potterne providing the opposition and there are further friendlies for the First and Second teams on Saturday, 27th April. League matches start the first weekend in May.

New players of all ages and abilities – and social members – are always welcome at the club. For more information, contact Nick Potter: 07872 383499 / [email protected], Phil Mortimer: 01761 413725 / [email protected] or Jennie: [email protected]

Charlie Matthews