Midsomer Norton CC 1st XI won by eight wickets
On Saturday, 4th August, Midsomer Norton Cricket Club's First XI travelled to Bristol West Indians hoping to produce a strong performance following the previous week's poor batting display. Nick Potter won an important toss and asked BWI to bat first on a damp wicket.
Norton's opening bowlers struck quickly and effectively to reduce the home side to 54 for seven at the halfway point. Andy Cox claimed five wickets in his allotted overs and an early finish looked likely. However, a combination of below par bowling and patient batting by Jack Baber resulted in 76 runs being added for the last three wickets. Baber was last out for 26 and BWI posted a target of 131.
After tea, Lear and Clifton opened with a season's best partnership of 48, before Lear was caught at slip for 27.
Martin Cox then joined Clifton, who scored 41, in another solid partnership of 35. Thunder and storm clouds ominously circled the ground, but fortunately no rain fell as Cox (45 not out) and Jon Harvey steered Norton to victory with twelve overs to spare.
MSN Third XI 93–5
Bath Fourth XI 91
Midsomer Norton CC Third XI won by five wickets at Somervale on Saturday, 4th August.
The Third Team dodged the showers at Somervale to record the double over Bath on Saturday. Norton won the toss and with rain a threat put Bath in to bat.
Andy Pack, a late call-up, opened up and claimed two early wickets and put Bath on the back foot.
There were a few poor shots on a pitch that was damp and slow and Norton took advantage by catching well to take regular wickets. Young Callum Bicknell and veteran, Rich Jordan, both took three wickets to knock over Bath for only 91 in the 36th over.
Due to the early finish of the Bath innings, tea was delayed and Norton faced twelve overs of the talented, young Bath attack and lost three soft wickets before the interval to take tea at 24–3.
After tea, Rich Jordan came to the middle and took the match away from Bath. His 41 not out included five fours and two consecutive sixes to win the game and was a great example of patience.
He was well supported by opener, Steve Green, whose eight runs from 69 balls was even more patient. Norton finished the game at 93–5 after 32 overs.
Forthcoming Cricket
This Saturday, 11th August, Midsomer Norton Cricket Club's First XI take on Minehead at Withies Lane, while the Second XI travel to Minehead.
The Third XI take on local rivals, Timsbury, in an away fixture.
Keynsham are the visitors for the Sunday 1st XI match at Withies Lane.
The Sunday 2nd XI play Bristol Lions away from home.