Saturday 8th May 2004

Taunton Deane v Claverham 1st XI

After seeing their first league game washed out the previous week,

Claverham stepped into the unknown in Taunton against last seasons Somerset

league champions.

Having won the toss, Claverham elected to bat first on an excellent wicket

considering recent weather conditions and began brightly with both Paul

Bird and Richard Horton looking comfortable against an accurate opening

attack. With 57 on the board Richard (16) skied one which brought South

African Chris Peyper to the crease.

Chris was soon in his stride and moved quickly towards 50 with some classy

shots all around the wicket. Paul Bird recognising the situation in hand

took on an effective supporting role as he encouraged Chris to keep playing

shots and by the time the South African departed for an excellent debut 80

the score was 172 for 2 and Claverham had the base from which to launch a

final 6 over assault.

The visitors just never got the slog they needed though and some tight

bowling, run outs and gathering gloom meant an ideal score of about 215

had become 197.

In reply, Taunton began calmly and both openers Hudd and Fraser-Harris

looked well set as the score moved towards 40. Nigel Cheeseright got the

first breakthrough bowling Somerset youngster Fraser-Harris for 10 and the

competitive Claverham smelled progress. Keitch had other ideas though and

the compact and free flowing number 3 began to play shots and moved the

score on to 82 before being bowled by import Peyper for 34. Again the

visitors sensed a breakthrough but yet again Taunton unvailed another solid

Somerset youngster who impressed as he and opener Hudd continued to move

closer to the target. Once again a third dismissal at a vital moment (106

for 3) gave Claverham their big chance. Aussie all-rounder Jessep had

other ideas though and at a point where the game could genuinely have gone

either way he launched a 36 ball counter attack and was eventually out for

62 with the score on 197 and Claverhams first league win was fast

disappearing into the rainy Taunton skies.

Nigel Cheeseright was the pick of the bowlers with 3 for 44.

Claverhams fielding and commitment throughout could not be faulted and

performances such as this during the season will be a match for many

opponents. Taunton Deane will be there or therabouts come the end of the

season and the Henley Lane squad can be very pleased with their inaugral

outing in this new division.

This Saturday Midsomer Norton visit Henley Lane (Start 1.30pm) .