Captain Chris Davison said Weston’s position in the WEPLeague Prem Two Bristol/Somerset division is for a reason.

Weston have picked up 171 points from 12 games, after seven wins, three defeats, one cancellation and one abandonment to sit second as they return to action at Downend this Saturday.

They have improved on their league finish every year after beating relegation on the final day in 2019, finishing third last year after the 2020 Covid-impacted campaign.

And Davidson says he is expecting a hard fought encounter, as Weston look to return to winning ways after losing to Midsomer Norton and record a third win in four games.

“Downend is a tough place to go. It’s a small, high scoring ground and they’ve been a good side for many years,” Davidson said.

“We’ll need to play well but we’re second in the league for a reason, so hopefully we’ll go in confident and get back firing and come through a few tough games with something to show for it.

“Matt Knight will be missing through injury, but that opens the door for Tom Chambers to return and his pace will offer us something a bit different.”

Davidson admitted last Saturday’s performance was a “disappointing defeat” to Midsomer Norton.

After winning the toss and electing to bat Weston were bowled all out for 208 with Peter Trego top scoring with 57, including seven fours and one six, from 66 balls.

But the league’s third-placed side went on to win by five wickets despite solid bowling performances from Matt Knight (2-31) and Tom Court (2-54).

“It was a disappointing defeat because we put ourselves in great positions with bat and ball and then let the game slip away,” Davidson added.

“I think it was a combination of lack of experience and some bad decision-making but the key thing is that we’re getting in these good positions every week.

“We had some really constructive discussions afterwards and we know some of the things we need to work on.

“With the young side we have and what we’re trying to build, we will have slip-ups along the way. That’s part of the process and it’s how we learn from them that’s important.

“Ryan Hearse had an excellent game behind the stumps which was a real positive and he’s another homegrown player who is pushing hard to earn a spot. Tom Court also bowled really well and was unlucky not to pick up another early wicket.”