BRIDGETOWN were robbed of an almost certain victory in Division 1 of the West Somerset league when a tremendous storm meant their home game against league leaders Stogumber on Saturday was abandoned.

When heavy rain, thunder and lightning enveloped the ground, they were just 24 runs short of Stogumber's 120 with eight wickets and 19 overs remaining.

But some 15 minutes later, with water lying on both wicket and outfield, the umpires had no hesitation in calling a premature end to proceedings.

Stogumber had earlier given their worst batting display of the season.

Poor shot selection and fine accurate, nagging bowling by Harry Rogers and Tom Gliddon on a slow wicket, saw them shot out for just 120.

Only captain James Rexworthy, with a mixture of fine defence and aggression, showed any resilience and he finished undefeated on 39.

Rogers bowled particularly well throughout and finished with the splendid figures of 5-54 off 12 overs. He was well supported by Gliddon who returned 3-48 in 12.

After the loss of an early wicket, father and son partnership Miles and Matt Richards swung the game Bridgetown’s way with an excellent second-wicket partnership of 80.

Son Matt was out for a very fine 52, with shots all around the wicket, and dad Miles was unbeaten on 33 when the weather intervened.

A hard luck story for Bridgetown and certainly a wake-up call for Stogumber as they bid to lift the Division One title. Stogumber picked up 12 points to Bridgetown’s 15.