WEPL Premier One

Taunton Deane 296-8 beat Bridgwater 200 by 96 runs

BRIDGWATER have slipped further into the relegation mire following Saturday’s 96-run defeat to fellow strugglers Taunton Deane.

Chasing an imposing 297 to win, Bridgwater were all out for 200 inside 45 overs to drop into the bottom two in Premier One.

With Ilminster seemingly destined to return to Premier Two once again, the final relegation spot is tight with Bridgwater and Deane separated by just two points going into the final few games.

Deane won the toss and elected to bat first, amassing 296-8 from their overs thanks to 84 from Australian John Rogers, 42 from Sam Undewrdown and some very useful late-order runs from Calvin Harrison, who hit four fours and a six in his 42.

Russell Jones also clubbed 29 from 15 balls.

In reply, Merv Halloran (35) and Chris Gange (29) both found the boundary and put on 62 until Halloran was caught by Underdown off Luke Whitear.

Somerset spinner Jack Leach then got to work and reduced Bridgy to 164-6 with a fine spell of 4-41 from ten overs.

Davis was still there but was rapidly running out of partners and when he went for 48 it was only a matter of time.

Leach took his fourth by claiming Daniel van der Berg and Woodman also weighed in with a useful 3-37 as Bridgwater ended on 200 all out.

On Saturday, Bridgwater are home to runaway leaders Frocester as the relegation run-in looks set to go the wire.