1st XI Match Report vs Keynsham (H) Saturday 23rd July

On Saturday we welcomed Keynsham to Ironmould Lane looking to right the wrongs of the defeat earlier on in the season - unfortunately it wasn’t to be. When Keynsham captain Bancroft won the toss and bowled first I wasn’t surprised, but we made a good start of things. As I fell for a dirty 40 we were 66-1 from 12 overs. This brought PK to the crease who was unlucky to chop on first ball, before Munds nicked behind for 5. All of a sudden 79-3. Milo then batted nicely, especially off the back foot through the off side, as him and ever present Brainer put on a good partnership. With Milo 50 and out trying to move the score on we were 163-4 from 32 overs. Duffman Josh came in at 6 and added great impetus, taking the pressure off Charlie’s shoulders and muscling the ball both sides of the wicket. After Charlie passed 50 and moved up through towards 100 he started to play like a proper Briz boy by picking the ball up over the leg side through mid wicket. Slogger Brain. Josh made 40 at quicker than a run-a-ball and there was time for a quick Chris Bolton cameo as Brainer went through to a maiden Brislington hundred. I am sure there will be many more to come.

The plan was to bat around Charlie and get him batting 50 overs. It worked perfectly, but what we didn’t expect was to be Biswa’d.

We had no real answer for the opening pair of Raj and Will Burston. Whilst it wasn’t the best we had bowled, or fielded, this season, their ability to rotate and hit bad balls for 4s/6s was impressive. As Raj eventually fell for 152, it was certainly one to take on the chin and look to bounce back next week. I’m sure he enjoyed my bowling too, I’d advise everyone to please not watch those highlights. A special shout out to James Riley who followed up a great performance last week with the ball. A bit of luck and he could have had 7 more.

It was a real shame to lose after a build up of momentum and a great close win the week before vs Knowle. But one week doesn’t make you a bad side and with King Harry back for the rest of the season it should be a great boost for the team and the club moving forward. We have built a great side this season and players have contributed all the way through. Next week Bath away, and a great chance to play at a great ground.