Bath CC 4th XI v Bristol New Eleven CC 1st XI

Despite coming out second best, Bath’s 4th XI put in an excellent performance against the top of the table, and undefeated, Bristol New Eleven on Saturday.

After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Bath’s openers, David Pippett and Louis Russell steadily put on 84 for the first wicket before Pippett was caught at mid-wicket for 36. This brought Charlie Pritchard to the wicket to join Russell and these two batters swiftly put on 91 for the second wicket, as Russell went for an excellent 69, his maiden senior half century. Pritchard continued to bat positively with Jack Pippett (6*) to add a further 39 as the home sides innings closed on a competitive 214-2.

The New Eleven’s innings started poorly as the excellent opening bowling of Alex Moss (3-24) picked up the wickets of Bino Joly (0) and Vineeth Raghaven (0). However, skipper, Salu Kanakalil Thomas and Sreeraj Sasikumar combined well to add 69 runs before Sasikumar was caught in the deep for 31. At 75-3, the match was still in the balance, and as wickets continued to tumble, including Thomas for 59, the away side were 184-8 with 30 still required. However Shan Thomas continued to bat sensibly, finishing undefeated on 43 to take his side home to win by two wickets with just three overs still to be bowled.