Middlezoy edged out by Burnham (From Burnham and Highbridge Weekly News)

Middlezoy edged out by Burnham

12:10pm Wednesday 15th August 2012 in Sport

Burnham 2nd XI 139-8 beat Middlezoy 2nd XI 138-9 by two wickets

THE reverse fixture between these two teams earlier in the season produced a thrilling tie and Saturday’s clash between the two teams almost ended the same way.

Middlezoy batted first and Alistair Campbell didn't last long as he lofted a wild shot to Adam Martin at cover who competently held the skied opportunity off Jim Birkett.

The experienced Brian Brogden was in bowling in tandem with Birkett and he bowled with guile and control and had No3 Ranson caught behind by Clifton for seven.

Birkett laboured away from the Stoddens Rd end, Ed Booth replaced Brogden and bowled erratically but claimed the vital wicket of Grant Purchase (20) well held by Brogden at first slip.

Andy Birkett replaced Booth at the pavilion end and bowled a metronomic spell of 11 overs for only 16 runs to stifle the Middlezoy innings.

Burnham set about reaching the target briskly as Pete Gaylard took on the Zoy talisman Purchase striking some clean drives to the boundary, ably supported by Adam Martin who worked the ball round the ground deftly taking Burnham to 50-0 in 12 overs.

Middlezoy tried various options including Thompson and skipper Gray but the stand was broken when Purchase switched ends and bowled Gaylard for 44 Martin went the same way in the next over to leave Burnham 82-2.

The normal Burnham collapse ensued as the total fell to 95-5 in the 29th over, but the tail held on for an important win.