WEPL Premier One Second XI

Bridgwater II 159-6 beat Taunton St Andrew’s II 158-8 by 4 wkts

BRIDGWATER 2nd XI marched on in their quest for the Premier One title with a four-wicket victory over Taunton St Andrew’s on Saturday.

After choosing to bat first, the Saints got off to a good start, scoring 39 for the first wicket in 10 overs, with opener Tom Poole playing some nice shots.

The visitors took pace off the ball quickly with the introduction of Ed Habberfield’s medium pace and Josh Horler’s left arm spin, and this paid immediate dividends as the Saints collapsed to 66-7 as the run scoring was reduced to a trickle.

They did show some character down the order, though, as skipper James Brice (41) and Ash Grundy (44no) fought back in a very cautious manner, before accelerating in the final 10 overs.

Matt Habberfield’s off-spin maintained fine control for Bridgwater, and he was unfortunate to only pick up one wicket, but the Saints were pleased with their recovery, finishing on 158 for 8 off their 45 overs.

Bridgwater set about their target in aggressive fashion led by Horler, who played many crisp shots all around the wicket in a fine innings.

Horler shared a fine stand of 82 with Vickery (14) for the second wicket and, at 92-1 off only 14 overs, Bridgwater were in complete control. The dismissal of Vickery sparked a mini wobble as four wickets fell fairly quickly, including that of Horler for a fine 67 from only 58 balls, with 10 4s and two 6s.

Any slight chance the Saints had of victory evaporated thanks to a fine cameo unbeaten 25 from Alistair Witts, who was supported well by an aggressive 20 from Scott Clapp as the visitors eventually got home by four wickets.

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l With three games remaining the seconds are 37 points clear at the top of the division, knowing a win on Saturday at home to Weston would see them take a large step towards the title.