WEPL Premier One

Bridgwater 157, lost to Corsham 254-1 by 97 runs

A DISAPPOINTING batting display saw Bridgwater slump to a heavy defeat at the hands of Corsham on Saturday.

An unbeaten century from Corsham’s Ashur Morrison (130no) helped the hosts to 254-1 from their 50 overs, before Bridgwater crumbled to 157 all out, despite the best efforts of Mitch Windsor (62).

Corsham won the toss and elected to bat first – and both Bridgwater’s opening bowlers, Robbie Montgomery and Chris Skidmore, struggled to find the right line and length to Corsham openers Steve Bullen and South African Dwain Fielding, who cashed in on anything loose on a good looking Station Road wicket.

The introduction of George Bartlett (1-19) into the attack saw Bridgwater take their one and only wicket of the innings, as Fielding fell to an excellent slip catch by Andy Hallaran.

Bridgwater continued to build pressure before Morrison cut loose in the final ten overs with several lusty blows over the leg side, to complete a fabulous hundred.

The Bridgwater reply got off to the worse possible start, with stand in opener Daniel van der Berg bowled for 0.

Bartlett (1) and Hallaran (16) fell to smart catches - and 37-3 soon became 40-4 with the loss of Stuart Butt.

Mitch Windsor and Steve Davis rebuilt the early damage to leave Bridgwater requiring 163 off 25 overs with six wickets in hand.

But Morrison immediately struck with the crucial wickets of Davis (35) and Montgomery, while Chris Skidmore was then caught by ex-Bridgwater captain Mike Coles, to leave Windsor slowly running out of partners.

He was next to go, bowled by Fielding for 62 and was soon followed by Pople and Singleton as the Bridgwater innings came to a close on 157 - with Fielding finishing with 5-16 off his 10 overs.

Bridgwater will have to re-group next week with the ever important home fixture against Ilminster - 12.30pm start.

Bridgwater 1st XI take on Bath in the ECB Regional Twenty20 Cup Final on Sunday (July 26) 11am start at the Parks.