WEPL Premier 1
Bridgwater 259-7 beat Potterne 187 by 70 runs (DLS)

THREE Bridgwater batsmen struck half-centuries as they picked up a fine away win at Potterne on Saturday.

The visitors opted to bat upon winning the toss but lost both openers early, with Todd Barrett departing for a single and Chris Gange run out for 12.

Those dismissals brought George Bartlett and Stuart Butt together, and the pair went on to build the match-defining partnership.

Both scored at quicker than a run a ball on their way to brisk fifties before Bartlett fell on 62 and Butt was bowled for 78, which included nine 4s and three 6s.

Alfonso Thomas provided some late fireworks, clearing the ropes three times on his way to a 38-ball 58 to help Bridgwater to 259-7 from their 40 overs.

More rain then slightly adjusted Potterne’s target to 257, but Bridgwater made a fine start with the ball as Will Williams dismissed Basil Akram for five.

Thomas Cullen (33) and Joshua De Souza (46) staged a recovery but, once they had fallen, Barrett ran through the middle order with 3-11 as wickets fell at regular intervals.

Thomas (2-51) and Liam Redrup (2-38) also bowled well, and the result was sealed when Chris Skidmore clean bowled the dangerous Josh Hodder for 37 as Potterne fell comfortably short.

This weekend, Bridgwater can put further daylight between themselves and the sides below them when they host Lechlade.

IN WEPL Somerset, Bridgwater 2nds were well beaten by leaders Weston-super-Mare.

In response to Weston’s 194-6, Bridgwater were bowled out for 112.