Bristol and District Association First Division

Old Down 205 ao lost to Bradley Stoke 283-7 by 78 runs

BRADLEY Stoke survived a lively, if erratic, start from Old Down’s James Thomas and Dave Dinely, before going on to amass a formidable 283-7.

They were led by a powerful 111 from Matt Peach, which was supported by Gareth Price (42), James Tovey (39) and the swashbuckling Balaji Shrini also with 39.

Old Down’s fielding, however, let them down, as they spilled seven catches.

In contrast, a scorcher held by Dinely showed the way along with outstanding ground fielding throughout by James Thomas and Andy Kitchen.

Nine nagging overs for only 34 from Adey Forrester brought a little control to the home side, but the pick of Down’s bowling was the 4-35 collected by Tom Pullin near the end of Stoke’s innings.

Losing two early wickets in reply, Down had to rely on the maturity and clean strokeplay of skipper Mike Rowen, whose eighty runs included 15 boundaries.

While he was accompanied by a robust innings of 44 from young James Thomas, which included four huge sixes, there was hope.

However, Tom Pullin’s 19 later on was all that Down could muster in an otherwise decent total of 205 all out.

Bradley Stoke relied on 3-31 from Lee Prinslow, 3-28 from Dan Laver and 2-16 from Owen Onslow.

Suitably left-hand tweaker, Wayne Passmore, finished off the proceedings with 1-35 as Bradley Stoke triumphed by 78 runs.

Bristol and District Association Tenth Division

Stothart & Pitt 258-5 beat Old Down 2nds 70 ao by 188 runs

WHILE Old Down struggled on throughout with only ten men, Stothart made hay to accumulate 258-5.

The visitors’ assorted collection of boys and senior citizens wilted in the summer sun.

Although there were occasional bursts of enthusiasm, six dropped catches told their own story.

Indeed, Stothart and Pitt’s Adam Smith (103) might have had a life from one such culprit.

Lloyd Brown with 65 and P. Kendall (36) made useful contributions. For Old Down John Hallworth took 2-41, while Ben Herbert and Josh Little picked up a wicket apiece.

George McGee (0-19) performed well on debut.

Indeed, the side’s younger players’ efforts did offer hope for the future.

Unfortunately, it was a sorry tale when Old Down batted.

Openers Jake Lansdown and Charlie Blake scored 11 and 22 respectively.

The latter’s positive stroke play was a high point.

Of the remainder, only John Hallworth’s 15 achieved double figures, as the visitors were dismissed at 70-9.

Although Bodman (3-11) could not resist an unkind ‘send-off’, although his companions, Burfield (5-3) and Adam Smith (1-40) were more compassionate.