Visitors Ashbrittle secure a hard-fought 27-run win

BELVEDERE entertained Ashbrittle and, having won the toss, elected to field on a wet but true pitch.

Ashbrittle openers Sheppard and Williams battled well in the early overs and soon opened up, striking numerous boundaries. With the score on 83, Watts deceived Williams who pulled high to McCrea, who held on well at mid-on.

Sheppard looked to continue to attack before he chipped to Hosey off Broadhead. Belvedere then tightened their grip on the game. Hill lobbed straight to Loud at long-off off the bowling of Broadhead (2-51) and Watts (2-40) continued his fine bowling efforts by bowling A Hill.

With the game well poised Belvedere battled away, picking up wickets at regular intervals. C Hill was well caught by Jack Gadd off Cornish and Jones ran out Summerfield. A fine piece of fielding from Crockett saw him run out Franks and when Cornish (2-49) bowled Bradbury it looked as if Ashbrittle would end up being bowled out.

A frustrating partnership between Franks and Williams then took Ashbrittle up to 190-8 when, really, they should not have reached 170. McCrea (0-42) bowled well without reward whilst Crockett and Loud were outstanding in the field.

In reply, Belvedere began in solid fashion as Chadwick and Cornish batted sensibly against the new ball. Both looked well set until Chadwick (12) pulled tamely to Bradbury at mid-wicket off A Hill. Jones joined Cornish and set about building the platform needed for victory, and both looked in good touch as they took the score to 73-1.

The introduction of leg-spinner Williams had a game-changing effect as first he induced Jones (23) to sky a return catch and then he had Joe Gadd (4) adjudged leg before in the next over. He then struck again as he produced a beauty to have Cornish caught behind for a stylish 31. Next to go was Hosey who misjudged a second run to be easily run out. Crockett looked on from the other end as McCrea was next out to Williams as he edged to second slip. Jack Gadd joined Crockett and they began to counter attack against the spinners. Gadd (18) struck hard down the ground before he became Williams’ fifth victim, bowled by one that span viciously.

Crockett continued to bat sensibly, running well between the wickets before a mix-up led to Watts being run out. The dismissal of man of the match Crockett (39), bowled by A Hill, effectively ended Belvedere’s hopes. Broadhead and Loud pushed the score past 160 before Broadhead was bowled by Bradbury, leaving Belvedere all out on 163.

Belvedere will look to bounce back this weekend in a local derby against Cheddar in what is a must-win game for both teams.