BRIDGWATER seconds strengthened their position at the top of Premier One with a storming 152-run win against second-placed Bath.

The visitors put up a fight with the ball as Bridgwater scrambled to 204 all out in the final over of their innings, but Bath had no answer to Bridgwater’s bowlers as they were blown away for 52 in under 20 overs.

Batting first, Bridgwater’s Kyran Devitt and Alastair Witts mixed watchful defence with fine shots to the boundary, but Devitt was out for 20 just before the only rain break of the day, Bridgwater teetering on 53-3.

In-form Andrew Skidmore joined Witts, but the latter was bowled by a full length delivery.

Skidmore continued to lead the recovery as Bridgwater looked to set the young Bath side an imposing target, and he found good support from Ed Habberfield, who dug in.

At 124-4 an onslaught beckoned with Skidmore (40) edging a wide delivery behind the wicket.

Scott Clapp (13) and Tom Pople (18) supported Habberfield before he fell to a catch in the deep for a wellplayed 39, and the remaining batting chased quick runs and took the total to 204, putting the game in the balance.

Ian Higgins and Chris Singleton both had a wicket in the first three overs as the Bath innings started as Bridgwater’s had, falling to 7-2.

With Clapp and Habberfield also on the attack for Bridgwater, Bath provided little resistance, reaching only 52 all out.