Game Five: 2nd XI vs Midsomer Norton 1st XI, Home

As Master Leech refuses to make comment on anything but a win. Your match report for Twos is brought to you by the Man-Doughnut, Manders...

On a day that looked warmer than it was Bristol 2nd team (or more realistically Midsomer Norton) managed to make a game much closer than it actually was.

Bristol batted first and got off to a useful start thanks to some booming drives down to the vacant fine leg area by young Charlie 'Wadlow' Spink. Unfortunately at the other end a tired looking Lahkani Snr was struggling to get the ball off the square due to some tight bowling and sleep depravation.

The two openers did not last long which bought 10k Hunt and 'surely not related to Sam' Brewer to the crease. These two did a great job rebuilding and both reached half centuries but lots of running on a big pitch with fielders out seemed to take its toll as they struggled to kick on both ending up run out trying to push the score along.

These were 2 of 4 run outs for the Bristol innings and so far this season we appear to be giving away a lot more run outs than we are taking. It reminds me of the comments of a 2nd row I once took under my wing. The young O'Connell said; 'Let's be the best at everything that requires no talent!' Bristol 2nd team are definitely not doing that.

Bristol still managed to scrape up to 209 which was something to bowl at if maybe 20 or 30 short.

Unfortunately Bristol bowled crap.

Old has been Richard 'I'm just big boned' Morrison served up a couple of delicious half volleys in the first over which the batsman of similar build to the bowler gladly tucked into. This was then followed up by Charlie 'radar' Spink who struggled with his line resulting in a few too many wides.

The spinners quickly came on and failed to exert any real control. However despite going at 28 times the required rate Midsomer Norton decided to start missing the rare straight ball or hit it to a couple of the Bristol players still awake in the field.

Suddenly in the 31 st over Bristol found themselves only needing 1 wicket to win and Midsomer Norton still needing 10.

Midsomer Norton won by 1 wicket with 19.3 overs remaining.

A special mention must go to new boy Ned 'don't call me Eddie' Dunning who is the first batsman to be caught out in the grill of the wicket keepers helmet due to new rules very recently bought in by the Midsomer Norton cricket board.