Bristol & North Somerset 1st XI; Almondsbury (10-1) v Bedminster (242-8) Match abandoned

A TON by former Gloucestershire batsman Rob Cunliffe put Almondsbury on the back foot before rain saved them on Saturday.

Almondsbury skipper Greg Stephens won the toss on and inserted Bedminster on a good wicket.

His decision provided an early success as Tommy Armfield removed Mike Donaldson (2) with a stunning one handed caught and bowled.

The success continued as Stephens himself bowled Warraich (5) with a ball that nipped back through bat and pad.

Bedminster should have been reduced to 19-3 as Cunliffe was missed behind the stumps off the fiery Stephens. Things got worse for Almondsbury as wicket-keeper Danny Webber dislocated a finger, which was swiftly put back in by Armfield.

Paul Martin took over the gloves whilst Webber went off for treatment. Webber later returned to field with his hand strapped and he showed admiral commitment whilst carrying his injury.

Meanwhile the Bedminster batsmen began to settle as the wicket began to ease, and the Almondsbury bowlers were put to the sword.

Cunliffe and Carter put on 194 for the third wicket before Carter skied one to Armfield at cover and was caught for 73 giving Pepall his first wicket. Cun liffe soon followed but not before he achieved a fine hundred. He was out caught and bowled by Armfield for 110.

McCormack became Armfield's third victim when he was caught at cover by Craig Thompson for 19.

The Bedminster innings closed on a daunting 242-5. Stephens (9-1-31-1), Armfield (10.3-2-55-3), and Pepall (1-57) were the Almondsbury wicket takers as all three fell victim to missed chances.

In reply, Almondsbury moved onto ten, which included the loss of Craig Thompson before the heavens opened and the match was brought to a premature closure.