Seasiders book County Ground date in T20 knockout competition

WITH last Saturday’s league game against table toppers Ashcott & Shapwick falling victim to the weather, Weston’s attention turned to the semi-final of the Somerset Cricket Board Knockout T20 Cup at home against Old Bristolians.

Winning the toss, Weston unsurprisingly decided to bowl first and the opening pair of Ashley Allen and Matt Kearsey applied the pressure early with some tight bowling.

However, the Old Bristolians openers were able to weather the early pressure and reached 41 before Tom Parnell was brilliantly run out by Sam Trego.

The Weston bowlers began to take control again but opener Gian Botha was still at the crease and making his way to a well played 59. He was then cleaned bowled by Ben Main with the score at 95 and the Old Bristolians innings lost its momentum and they eventually finished on 111-7 from their 20 overs. Pick of the bowlers was Ben Main with 3-19 from his four overs.

The Weston reply began steadily with Simon Green and ex Somerset keeper/batsman Rob Turner taking the score to 32.

Turner was then caught for 16 and Green soon followed for 15. Two more wickets fell and Weston suddenly found themselves struggling at 49-4. However, Gary Morgan was batting responsibly and managed to keep the scoreboard ticking over. At the other end Sam Trego was taking the fight back to the Old Bristolians bowlers and smashed 20 in 10 balls, including three fours and a six. He was then caught after playing one shot too many and Morgan was joined by John Davidson.

Morgan took control of the innings and played superbly and saw Weston home with 11 balls to spare. Morgan finished on 36 not out from 23 balls, including five fours.

Weston now have the honour of playing in the final at the County Ground in Taunton on Sunday, July 29 against either Illminster or Bridgwater.