Claverham made it 3 wins on the bounce and retained 3^rd spot in the league with this exciting win at bottom club Brislington.

It was no surprise when the home side invited Clav to bat first on a surprisingly wet wicket. Disaster struck early on when, having only faced 7 balls the reliable Rich Horton just the man to dig in and build an innings on a wet track suffered a back spasm and needed to be helped from the pitch. This introduced Chris Peyper who together with Paul Bird moved the score along steadily to 45 before the South African holed out for 23.

Roger Jack couldn’t add to the score which bought Damien Devanny to the crease. Devanny settled early and starting playing some devasting shots all around the wicket. The ex Nailsea all-rounder reached his 50 off 55 balls and raced to an awsome 100 from only 99 balls which included 11 4’s and 4 huge 6’s. For once Paul Bird elected to play second fiddle and used his experience to work the ball around as the Devanny bombardment continued at the other end.

The pair added 142 for the 3^rd wicket when Bird departed for a classy 71. Claverham finished on 225 for 5 a score which looked competitive although the wicket was drying quickly. Damien finishing on 109 not out for his highest score of the season.

Brislington responded nervously to the reply, and with Bird, Chesseright and Peyper all keeping things tight the home side edged towards the half way point on 55 for 3. Victory seemed secured when Brislington veteran Gregson made his way to the crease a few overs later. Gregson had other ideas though and scored quickly to give Clav a few problems. The bowling lost its control and suddenly defending the now quick wicket and outfield was hard work. With 105 needed from the last 10 wickets Gregson began his main assault and spanked the visitors to all parts. With 3 overs to go, Bris’ needed 34 and Clav had decided to calm things down with Devanny bowling his off spin and slow medium pacer Hooper at the other end. The change worked as the duo held their nerve to see Claverham home to another vital win, leaving the unlucky Gregson 106 not out.

Another massive game this Saturday as leaders Taunton Deane come to Henley Lane.