BRIDGWATER Cricket Club first XI completed an excellent double on the weekend, winning a friendly at Devon Premier side Bovey Tracey on Saturday by 72 runs, followed by a five wicket defeat of fellow West of England Premier League outfit Clevedon in the National Knockout on Sunday.

At Clevedon, the home side batted first but couldn’t get to grips with Bridgwater’s three pronged pace attack led by Chris Skidmore (2-26), who picked up a wicket in the first over of the game.

He received superb support from Chris Singleton (2-13), as the pair had Clevedon wobbling at 19 for 3. The introduction of Andy Roberts (4-3) caused complete havoc in the Clevedon batting as his first five overs saw him pick up four wickets for no runs, a quite remarkable spell from Roberts.

Second team pacemen Daniel Rossiter then induced Lintott to chip to mid-off, and the remaining Clevedon batting could only muster a few runs, as they were bowled out for 71.

Bridgwater lost wickets early in the innings, however Liam Kitch (24) stood firm with Roberts, as aided by a number of extras Bridgwater cruised to a five-wicket victory.

On Saturday at Bovey, debutant Tom Lace made a quickfire 61, supported by Todd Barrett (35), Kitch (32) and skipper Merv Hallaran (28) as Bridgwater set the home side a challenging 230 in their 40 overs.

Again all the Bridgwater bowlers chipped in, as Australian Alex Frick and Singleton bowled good opening spells to reduce Bovey early on.

Young seamer Louis Stephenson picked up two wickets, as did Andrew Skidmore as Bovey fell behind the clock.

A wicket apiece for Jack Luff and Todd Barrett saw Bovey fall 72 runs short, as Lace picked up 4 victims behind the stumps in a tidy debut.

On Saturday Bridgwater 1st XI conclude their pre-season preparations at home to Taunton Deane (12:30), whilst the 2nds travel to Frocester to play their 2nd XI (1pm).

Many Thanks to umpire Mike Moran, scorer Chris Cowley, Match Ball Sponsors TMB Patterns Ltd and Match Travel Sponsors Falcon Vehicle Solutions and Charles Dickens Estate Agents.