Result - Nailsea won on a faster scoring rate (Match abandoned due to rain)

Claverham won toss and elected to field. Decision looked a good one as

opener Hopkinson caught off the first ball bowled by Atul in the slips for a

duck. Claverham kept the pressure on and pegged Nailsea back to 77 for 4

from 23 overs. From here Nailsea recovered, Australian Pritchard (75) and

Gareth Dann (60) then added 93 for the 5th wicket to help Nailsea get back

on track. Only a late burst from the energetic Mark Francis (3-19) helped

restrict the visitors to 209 all out in the final over

Claverham started well again, with Bird (14) and Horton (27) opening with a

50+ partnership. Both openers were soon back enjoying a warm shower shortly

after which left Atul and the powerful Phil Gillott to rebuild the innings.

Phil opted for attack and went after the Nailsea bowling with relish but on

22 skied one and was caught by youngster Moss. At this point the weather

changed dramatically and a fine summers day suddenly became black & dark

with clouds. Thunder and lightening began moving in from Bristol

threatening to spoil Claverhams run chase. And so it proved, Copeland

couldn't adjust to the conditions, Mark Francis and Keith Miles were also

removed during the worst of the light which left a frustrated home side

staring defeat in the face. A brief stand between '68ers Alan Ferris and

Roger Hooper temporarily halted the wickets but it was all in vain. Finally

the clouds released their gallons and the game was stopped with Claverham 8

wickets down and still plenty to do. Atul finished on 34 and was also

undone by the terrible light, something I am sure he doesn't witness back in

sunny Bombay.

Under these conditions Claverham lost by 24 on a slower run rate. A very

frustrated 1st XI trooped back in wondering what might have been - not able

to demonstrate their recent good form with a proper run chase in good

conditions.