Belvedere defeat North Petherton by 12 runs in an exciting Somerset League encounter.

BELVEDERE produced a fine all-round performance to defeat title challengers North Petherton by 12 runs in a thrilling low-scoring encounter.

Having lost the toss, Belvedere were asked to bat first and despite a delay for rain Chadwick and Seale began to lay the foundations of the home total.

On a wicket offering lots of assistance to the bowlers Chadwick (34) and Seale (28) played watchfully until both fell with the score on 69. Crockett (5) and Ashfield (13) soon departed and with runs hard to come by, Sam McCrea played a gem of an innings hitting a well made 28 not out. Despite losing Watts and Mike Hosey, Loud (11 not out) and McCrea ensured Belvedere ended up on a respectable 139-6.

After tea, backed up by an outstanding fielding display, Loud (2-29) and Hosey (0-17) bowled well. Loud bowled Gibbs and had Tottle well caught at gully by Seale.

Bowditch and Williams batted well before veteran spinner Taylor (1-25) enticed Bowditch to hole out to Seale at long-on.

Williams continued to bat in a stylish manner as others perished around him, McCrea bowling Knight for six. O Irish and Williams looked to be guiding North Petherton to victory, but Watts and McCrea changed the game in dramatic fashion. Watts bowled O Irish and McCrea had his brother L Irish leg before to set up an exciting finish.

At 100-6 the game could go either way. Watts struck twice more in quick succession having White and K Williams well caught by Crockett and Loud.

In his last over, McCrea (3-18) had Revans superbly caught by Seale at gully to set up an enthralling finish. With 13 runs needed off the last two overs, Watts (4-27) finished the game bowling the impressive T Williams for 57 and Belvedere won by 12 runs.

In a great team performance, Crockett, Seale, Watts and Ashfield were outstanding in the field as were all the home bowlers. Buildbase man of the match went to Sam McCrea.

? Belvedere 2nd XI hosted local rivals Cheddar. Captain Sam Neate won the toss and inserted the home side on a damp, green wicket.

Opening bowlers were CJ Neate (2-25) and veteran Rob Statham (1-36). Neate removed the opening and subsequently removing the number three with his next delivery.

Jamie Britton (5-41) on his return to the second team, recorded his maiden five wicket haul. Ben Robinson (1-19) bowled tightly, alongside Ross Wood (0-21) who struggled on the green wicket with his leg spin. Sam Neate (1-1) removed the last batsman.

Chasing 151, Belvedere openers Rob Newman and Jon Lodge were both removed quickly. This brought Nathan Hancock (58) to the crease and Sam Neate (14), who upped the run rate.

Kyle Sully (17), Matt McCarthy (6) and CJ Neate (8 not out) saw Hancock to his maiden 50, before the latter was caught in the gully. Neate then struck the winning runs with a powerful drive through the covers.

Buildbase man of the match was shared between Jamie Britton and Nathan Hancock.

? Belvedere’s annual match between a president’s X1 representing Hugh Hockey and chairman Rob Statham’s X1 proved an enthralling encounter going down to the final ball of the day.

Batting first, the presidents made a respectable 195-8 off their 30 overs. Andy Llewellyn (30 retired), Jamie Britton (14), Brad Ashfield (20), G Gullick (21), CJ Neate (25) and Joe Statham (6) all impressed with the bat. With the ball, Kevin Crockett, Nathan Hancock and the chairman himself all excelled.

In reply, the chairman’s X1 started well with Nathan Hancock (13) and Sam McCrea (30 retired) pushed the score along nicely. Kevin Crockett (23) batted well before falling to Fairhurst.

Tight bowling from the presidents X1 in the middle order from Dave Fairhurst, Joe Statham and Matt McCarthy ensured a tight finish. Neil Chadwick (30 not out) and Mike Hosey (26) put the chairman’s X1 back in contention leaving 11 needed off the last over.

Veterans Rob Statham (8) and Martin Taylor (21) saw their side home scampering a quick single off the last ball for victory.

All the players and supporters would like to thank the Statham family and Gary Gullick for the barbecue and Stephen James for organising the post match quiz.

Buildbase man of the match was shared by CJ Neate and Dave Fairhurst.