Wembdon go down to Staplegrove (From This is The West Country)

Wembdon go down to Staplegrove

1:00pm Tuesday 21st August 2012 in Sport

West of England Somerset Division

Wembdon 1st XI 140 lost to Staplegrove 206-9 by 66 runs

WEMBDON remain second in the division, despite a 66-run loss at Staplegrove on Saturday (August 18).

The visitors failed to chase down the Taunton side’s total of 206-9 and were dismissed for 140.

With the wicket still damp in places following the week’s heavy rain, Wembdon decided to bowl first on winning the toss.

Skipper Dan Bingham and Brendan Pope opened the bowling and had the new ball swinging well.

The Grove openers struggled to connect with the ball and Pope and Bingham both picked up crucial wickets.

Grove were 35-2 after 14 as Bingham ended his spell to introduce spin, Rich Gower extracting some extravagant turn and bounce.

Prakash Joshi replaced Pope and Wembdon had spin at both ends, the new bowler getting the third wicket in his first over.

Grove were teetering but a very steady fourth wicket stand of 89 clawed them back into the game.

Goss and Fagan (2-15) bowled well, while Bingham (3-39) returned for the final three overs varying his pace and picking up some lower order wickets.

After tea, Wembdon lost Lowe early but Rich Gower looked in good touch. Pope (27) joined Gower (42) and worked the ball with ease against an ordinary first change attack.

They put on 44 before Pope was trapped lbw – this brought Bingham to the crease who stroked a couple of pleasant fours before spin came into the attack.

Wembdon batters must hold their hands up – too many needlessly gave their wicket away, Bingham also, attempting a reverse sweep.

Goss (18) offered some resilience but defeat was confirmed and hopes of the title diminished as Street ran out league winners.

WEMBDON play host to Westlands this Saturday (12.30pm start) in their final home fixture of the season.