Match Report – Midsomer Norton 1st XI v Claverham 1st XI

Sat 17rd July

Midsomer Norton

 

 Claverham CC 1st XI are once again pleased to be sponsored by Bristol recruitment firm WB Employment.

After last weeks disappointing defeat to league leaders Taunton, Claverham turned in their best display of the season as they swept aside Midsomer Norton.

With rain about and a track with damp patches already on it the home side won the toss and invited Claverham to bat first. Richard Horton returning to the side after his back injury and Paul Bird had to be watchful and built steadily to 40 before Rich perished to spinner M Cox for 20.

Chris Peyper joined Birdy and moved the score along to 87 before he was victim of a questionable run out decision when on 24. Rather than panic, Claverham remained positive with Damien Devanny (16) looking to deal exclusively in boundaries and sharing in another useful partnership with the rock solid Paul Bird.

There followed some tinkering with the batting order and an early introduction for the burley Phil Gillott (36) and the big hitting Keith Miles (19 no). The visitors scored 100 runs in the final 10 overs as they destroyed the home side attack with an array of big shots to finish on a competitive 236. Paul Bird again the back bone to the innings scoring a magnificent, chanceless undefeated century and going to his ton with a glorious six over long on and a single in the last over.

The real fireworks came after the tea break. Peyper still ranting after his run out bad luck earlier tore in to the home side and was virtually unplayable from the first ball. A shell shocked Midsomer Norton capitulated in a Hollywood style classic. With skipper Roger Hooper shutting up one end, Peyper bowled his way into Henley Lane history as he took what has to be the fastest 5 wickets (14 balls) of the clubs history and finished with 8 for 31 from his 9 overs. At one stage Norton were 9 for 7 in the 7th over. The inevitable came in the 18 over with the score on 64 when Keith Miles joined the party to take his first wicket of the season and the Claverham squad collapsed back into the changing room still shaking their heads in disbelief.

There should be more excitement this Saturday when second placed Bridgwater visit Henley Lane 1.30 pm start.