CONGRESBURY'S luck with tosses in helpful conditions this season ran out on Saturday as they were inserted by the home side on a wet wicket.

CONGRESBURY'S luck with tosses in helpful conditions this season ran out on Saturday as they were inserted by the home side on a wet wicket.

With the ball bouncing awkwardly off a length against one of the league's stronger bowling attacks, batting was challenging and Congresbury lost two early wickets with Lloyd Davies and Tim Baker both dismissed cheaply by Wakefield.

Clint Harding played some nice shots before being bowled after the introduction of Toghill and Ian Perry played one marvellous pull shot over the pavilion before nicking one to the keeper.

Paul Brean, Sam Evans and Tom McMaster all stuck around for periods and the scoreboard kept ticking as Mike Fisher continued his recent run of form, timing the ball well given the conditions on his way to 66 before being given out leg before to Wakefield.

However, it was a last wicket partnership of 35 between Stuart Castle (25 not out) and Stephen Baker (8) that took Congresbury to a respectable total of 171 all out. Wakefield collected 5-55 and Toghill 4-32.

In reply, Congresbury had a number of confident early appeals declined, as well as a dropped catch before Baker dismissed Rendell for 16 with the score at 38. Bennett rode his luck early on but took the attack to Congresbury in his hard-hit 43 before being bowled by Tim Baker as Sodbury reached 103-2.

With Hicks lbw the next ball, Congresbury's hopes were raised. Neal Frost bowled yet another fine spell, applying pressure at one end, whilst wickets fell at the other. Tim Baker bowled Wake and Frost picked up the obdurate Scully for 38 and the game was in the balance.

Neal struck three fine boundaries to take Sodbury close. The home side were jolted when Neal and Wakefield were both given out, before fittingly, given that Congresbury gave away 30 runs in wides, a boundary wide finished proceedings as Sodbury won by three wickets.

Neal Frost was again the pick with 1-25 off 13 overs, Tim Baker again showed potential with 3-19 and skipper Steve Baker served up a mixed bag taking 3-66 in 12.

This result saw Chipping Sodbury finish second and Congresbury finish fifth in what has been a solid season.

Congresbury skipper Steve Baker announced his resignation after the match. Steve has the thanks of the club following his last three seasons in charge in which he has worked tirelessly off the pitch to provide excellent playing facilities.