Somerset League Division 7
Burnham-on-Sea 2nd XI 128-6 drew with Glastonbury Lambs 146 - match abandoned due to rain

BURNHAM’S first game of the new season ended in frustrating circumstances as heavy rain caused the match to be abandoned with just 19 runs required for victory.

With captain Phil White winning the toss and electing to field, Burnham made early inroads thanks to the bowling of Mike Green, who claimed the scalps of Glastonbury’s top four to leave the visitors 28 for 4 in the 11th over.

Change bowler Sharu then worsened the Lambs’ predicament as he dismissed Hayes, caught by Liam Smith.

Smith then got in on the act with the ball, returning to the attack and claiming several wickets.

At 72 for 9 with 23 overs completed, it appeared that Glastonbury would be unable to set Burnham a competitive target, and Lee Coles should have ended the innings shortly after, but spilled a relatively straightforward chance.

Wade reached a deserved halfcentury off 60 balls – and the last pair more than doubled Glastonbury’s score in putting on 74, with Wade 84 not out.

In reply, Burnham’s openers made a positive start, with Pete Gaylard finding the boundary on several occasions.

However, his dismissal for 19 signalled a mini-collapse, as some indifferent strokeplay from the middle order batsmen saw Burnham slump to 40 for 4.

Meanwhile, Andy Ashfold was quietly constructing a fine innings in his trademark unhurried style, as Burnham passed 100 without further loss.

Soon after, however, Green fell for 39, bringing Lee Coles to the crease.

His contribution of 13 helped Burnham’s cause but, crucially, failed to get them over the winning line.

During the overs preceding Coles’ dismissal, the rain had been steadily increasing in intensity, reaching intolerable levels following the fall of the sixth wicket.

This forced the players from the field, and regrettably play was unable to resume.

BURNHAM 1st XI’s scheduled Division 2 opening game at Belevedere was rained-off and they will be hoping to get underway at home to Castle Cary on Saturday

Burnham 2nd XI visit Chard A.