WEPL Somerset

Chard 251 beat Bridgwater 2nds 183 by 68 runs

BRIDGWATER 2nds bowler Ian Higgins achieved an unusual ‘double double’ in a losing cause against Chard at The Parks on Saturday.

Higgins dismissed Reid Mawdsley and Harvey Dening with the first two balls of Chard's innings, the same bowler later returned to claim wickets with the final two balls of the innings as well to wrap it up on 251 after exactly 50 overs.

Bridgy’s early momentum was halted by Jon Dalwood and Nathan Johnson, who put on 88 for the third wicket before Dalwood became the first of three scalps for Matt Habberfield, who ended with 3-37 from 10 controlled overs.

The rest of the attack didn’t back this up, however, as Johnson went on to make 65 and valuable contributions from the Scotts, Jonathan (41) and Chris (40), took Chard past 200.

Higgins took the final two wickets with successive deliveries at the end of the innings, ending with 4-37 from 10 to ensure he will be on a hat-trick when he next lines up to bowl.

Chard’s overseas player Akhona Jeremiah Mbanga struck early in the reply as Bridgwater set off in pursuit of 252 to win, dismissing Ben Coombes (4), and wickets continued to fall at regular intervals as several Bridgwater batsmen made starts without kicking on.

Ed Habberfield made a patient 27 and Tom Bellinger top scored with 32, but Chard were always in control and Mbanga returned to wrap up the victory and finish with 3-19 from 8.1 overs.

Wily spinner Jon Dalwood claimed 3-42 from 10.

Match sponsors: Burnham Portable Toilet Hire

On Saturday, Bridgwater make the short trip to newly-promoted Street.

Have you ever seen an instance of the same bowler taking wickets with the first two and last two balls of the same innings? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook (Bridgwater Mercury), Twitter (@BWMercury) or by e-mailing sport@countygazette.co.uk