Hereford Doctors 85 for 8

Bridgwater Doctors 86 for 4

A morning downpour had saturated the bowlers’ run-ups and outfield and the match was reduced to 30 overs per innings. Hereford found runs at a premium as John Down conceded 5 in his first over, including an edged four over first slip’s head, and then bowled 5 overs for just 3 runs. James Powell (2-11) was equally frugal and took two wickets with well-disguised slower balls, including a sharp caught and bowled chance. The eagerness of the batsmen to break the shackles led to a run out disaster as a fine return by Andrew Paisley at deep square leg was expertly taken by keeper Jeremy Budd to reduce the score to 10 for 3. John Wood and C.Williams batted sensibly to repair some of the damage but excellent ground fielding, with Dave Rooke in the covers outstanding, restricted progress. When Wood (13) lofted Peter Reed to Alan Dunkley at mid off and Williams was well taken by Down in the gully off the same bowler another collapse ensued. Robert Colledge (2-15) found turn and bounce for his left arm finger spinners and his partnership with Reed (3-17) brought the innings to its nadir of 59 for 8. Selective hitting by Chris Frith (22 n.o.) and C.Byat (11 n.o.) obtained 26 runs from the last 5 overs and a hint of respectability to the final total.

The Bridgwater Doctors’ reply got off to a surreal start to a backdrop of lightening flashes on the adjoining hills and a crescendo of rock music from the neighbouring village hall. Dunkley (14) and Keith Powell (11) to their cue from the music in a rollicking opening stand of 27, ended when both were caught off successive balls from Mohammed Arkanath (2-34). Paisley and Phil Barker maintained the impetus with a mixture of fierce pulls and shrewd deflections. When Paisley miscued another pull off Williams (1-14) and new batsman Rooke was brilliantly caught, one handed at full stretch, by Wood at mid off there were minor tremors in the visitors’ ranks. These were quelled by the calm assurance of Barker (25 n.o.) who played the perfect anchor role while James Powell (12 n.o.) finished the job with 3 powerful blows.