Somerset Cricket League Division 7

Burnham 2nd XI 161-4 lost to Winscombe 2nd XI 162-4 by 6 wkts

BURNHAM have been relegated into Division 8 of the Somerset Cricket League following a disappointing six-wicket defeat at the hands of Winscombe on Saturday.

With Burnham being put in to bat, the hosts got off to a slow start, with both Andy Ashfold and Pete Gaylard struggling to find their rhythm.

Therefore, when Gaylard (27) fell in the 21st over, only 55 runs were on the board.

New batsman Andy Smith never looked comfortable against some accurate bowling, so it was no surprise when he was trapped leg before wicket for 13.

Aware that batting points were crucial for Burnham’s chances of survival, Lee Coles attempted to increase the scoring rate, but was stumped off the bowling of Boucher, as was Jake Harding.

At 103-4 in the 36th over, Burnham clearly had work to do if they wished to set a respectable target, but a six from Phil White gave them confidence. In light of this, they were able to score at around a run per ball during the remaining overs.

Ashfold reached his half-century, off 116 balls, in the 43rd over, and Burnham set Winscombe 162 to win.

In reply, the visitors started very confidently, much to the dismay of Burnham’s opening bowlers, Liam Smith and Paul Grant.

Changes in the bowling appeared to reinvigorate Burnham, with the first breakthrough coming courtesy of Jake Harding, who bowled M. Coe for 16.

Hutchinson was undeterred, however, reaching a 44-ball fifty in the 13th over with the score on 72.

It appeared the game could have been over very quickly, but a couple of quick wickets got Burnham back in the game.

First, Ashfold took a comfortable catch off the bowling of Jake Harding to dismiss Hutchinson, and then G. Coe was caught behind off Andy Birkett.

Despite this, Winscombe were well ahead of the required run rate, and a fifty partnership between Searle and S. Bawden greatly frustrated Burnham’s bowlers, and settled the result.