WEPL Premier One

Bridgwater 258 all out lost to Downend 259-6 by four wickets

BRIDGWATER suffered a second league defeat in two weeks as a below-par total saw them lose out to Downend by four wickets.

Batting first with a very short boundary on one side, both Liam Kitch and Mitch Windsor did not trouble the scorers as Bridgwater stumbled to 10-2.

Andy Hallaran (52) hit ten fours and one six in a run a ball half century to help Bridgwater begin to rebuild the innings.

He was supported by Stuart Butt (22) before both were dismissed in quick succession.

Once again Bridgwater were forced to rebuild after a mini-collapse, something which is happening with increased regularity this season. Daniel van Der Berg (64) recorded his first league half century with some powerful hitting as he and Barrett (39) put on 93 for the fifth wicket.

However, Bridgwater then suffered yet another mini-collapse and eventually reached 258 all out with nine balls still remaining, despite a well-played 36 from Ed Habberfield.

Downend’s reply began well as they reached 61 in 11 overs before Ed Habberfield removed Patrick Grieshaber as he attempted another big shot.

Chris Skidmore bowled well once again for no reward as he recorded figures of 0-28 in his ten overs.

Brandon Gilmour (60) and Curtis Blakemore (43) kept the scoreboard moving as Bridgwater struggled to make the breakthroughs they knew were necessary to win this game.

Bridgwater skipper Merv Hallaran tried to mix things up by changing his bowlers regularly but Bridgwater struggled to apply enough pressure to force the Downend batters into mistakes.

Van Der Berg and both the Habberfield brothers picked up two wickets a piece but the home side eventually cruised to victory with five overs to spare with Ringrose (62no) seeing them over the line.

Bridgwater would like to thank sponsors TMB Patterns, Falcon Vehicle Solutions and Higos Insurance Services.

Bridgwater travel to Taunton St Andrews on Saturday - the seconds entertain Thornbury at The Parks.