Congresbury lead the Bristol & District Senior Division following a comfortable victory over Almondsbury.

Congresbury opened up a 15-point lead at the top of the Bristol & District Senior Division with a comfortable rain-affected six-wicket victory over lowly Almondsbury, as fellow promotion chasers Chew Magna stumbled.

Congresbury can thank the rain though as Bristol West Indian & Phoenix CC’s game was eventually abandoned after another downpour with the Windies on 45-1 after just five overs scenting victory against Downend 2nd XI, who they had dismissed for 128.

Put into bat, Almondsbury struggled against the pace and accuracy of Nick Doherty who took 2-12 from eight overs in a match that was reduced to 39 overs a side after a couple of rain interruptions.

The game marked the senior debut of Somerset junior Jack Harding, at just 13 he becomes the youngest Congresbury first team player justifying the time, effort and money Congresbury is investing in its junior squads.

Almondsbury made 148-8 as Kulvinder Sappal top-scored with an unbeaten 39 and keeper Matt Grute hit a quickfire 22 off 26 balls.

Despite losing skipper Richie Bann early, Congresbury rarely looked troubled as youngster Sam Kearns (26) and James Vowles, who hit a belligerent 31, put the home side within touching distance of victory with more rain threatening.

Wicketkeeper Jos Tomlinson (22 not out) made sure of the extra batting bonus point by finishing the run chase with a four in the 27th over to take Congresbury to 150-4.