Somerset Cricket League Division Seven

Burnham 2nd XI 145-7 lost to Middlezoy 2nd XI 262-8 by 117 runs

ANDY Birkett returned impressive figures of 5-33 for Burnham 2nd XI on Saturday, but it wasn’t enough to prevent them from slumping to a heavy defeat at home to Middlezoy 2nd XI.

Birkett’s 12 over spell contained three maidens, but he lacked any real support with the ball as Zoy posted 262-8 from their 45 overs – thanks to half-centuries from Grant Purchase (67), A Clapp (54) and J Gray (52).

A Smith (1-62) and J Harding (1-69) were the other Burnham wicket takers, but they were expensive in comparison to Birkett.

The Burnham reply began in disastrous fashion, as first Pete Gaylard (0) and then Ed Lewis (4) fell with the score still in single figures.

J Harding (0) followed shortly after – and it was only when A Smith (34) and Andy Ashfold (67no) came together, that order was restored.

Ashfold remained unbeaten, but Burnham had fallen well behind the rate, closing on 145-7 at the end of their 45 overs.

For Zoy, Purchase also starred with the ball, following up his half-century with 3-14 from 12 economical overs.

E. Peacock (2-19) also chipped in with a couple of wickets, while there were also two run outs, as Burnham 2nd XI lost ground on league leaders, North Petherton 2nd XI in Division Seven.

They host Taunton Deane Crusaders this weekend.