Somerset Cricket League Division Seven

Burnham-on-Sea II 188-0 beat Chard A 184 by ten wickets

Burnham’s quest to avoid relegation took a huge step in the right direction as they thrashed Chard A by ten wickets on Saturday.

Pete Gaylard (103no) scored a superb unbeaten century for Burnham, as they chased down Chard’s total of 184 without losing a wicket – while Andy Ashfold at the other end, was 69 not out.

With Jim Birkett bowling economically, Burnham were able to restrict Chard’s scoring rate in the opening exchanges.

Although Young (35) threatened to lead a recovery for the visitors, Burnham were able to continue taking wickets at regular intervals as batsmen repeatedly played themselves in and then got out.

Smith wrapped up the innings by bowling Pedlar and Crew in the same over, with Burnham being set the respectable target of 185 to win.

In reply, Andy Ashfold and Pete Gaylard were able to score at around five runs per over by playing defensively against good deliveries and finding gaps in the field off the bad balls.

An outbreak of rain forced the players from the field with the score at 40 without loss after nine overs, but the break was a brief one and the Burnham innings was able to resume without the loss of any overs.

Gaylard did offer a few chances to the Chard fielders but ultimately these opportunities were spurned and so Burnham’s openers were able to continue their seemingly unstoppable charge towards victory.

Both batsmen passed 50 in quick succession, and the game turned into something of a batting exhibition as sweetly-timed strokes repeatedly flew to the boundary.

With 15 overs remaining, the game was all but over as a contest with some 50 runs needed for victory, and Burnham’s batsmen appeared to be aiming to get things over quickly.

With scores tied, Gaylard was 99 not out, and fittingly he was able to hit a boundary to win the game for Burnham and achieve a deserved century.