West of England Premier League Bristol/Somerset Division

Wembdon 187 lost to Bishopston 176-3 (rain-affected match)

WEMBDON’S poor run of results in the second half of the season continued as a “demoralising” third consecutive defeat to Bishopston ensured an unwelcome tense finish to the season.

Playing at home, Wembdon were put in to bat on Saturday and got off to a flying start with new signing Ian Blackwell, the former Somerset and England all-rounder, striking the ball well.

Blackwell brought up his halfcentury off just 31 balls and Wembdon reached 94 without loss after 14 overs.

A 30-minute rain delay saw the game reduced to 45 overs, and the break allowed Bishopston to regroup, halting Wembdon’s momentum.

Sure enough, Blackwell (54) went back to the pavilion straight after the rain break and within an over a second scalp had been taken and Wembdon stood at 95-2.

Puddy (27) went to a good catch while looking to clear the ropes for a maximum.

Bowditch and Brockwell had a steady partnership for the fourth wicket and prevented the familiar collapse of the middle order.

At the halfway stage Wembdon were 117-3 and in a strong position.

Brockwell went for 17, but Bowditch remained and battled against the swing.

He and Phillips (19) added 35, but both went in quick succession, Bowditch scoring a patient 34.

The Wembdon innings fizzled out and they were dismissed in the final over for a sub-standard 187.

Bishopston had some good fortune in their innings with seven catches dropped, the Wembdon fielding falling well short of expectations.

Coombes went hard at the ball for Bishopston and got them off to a flyer, but Eckley taking a superb leg side stumping to get the breakthrough for Wembdon.

Blackwell restricted Bishopston’s batsmen and a few tight overs from Brockwell clawed Wembdon back into the contest.

After 25 overs Bishopston were 117- 3, requiring 70 from 20 overs, and Wembdon needed to get the wicket of Coombes, who had reached his halfcentury by this point.

The game was abandoned in the 36th over with Bishopston reaching 176-3, which was enough to see them claim victory, according to WEPL rules.

Wembdon travel to bottom side Chew Magna this Saturday, and it will be a must win game with the return of fit-again bowler Brendan Pope.