As if to emphasise the quality of the pitches at Nailsea again this season, Nailsea Thirds took on St Mary Redcliffe in a game that was to yield just 6 wickets for well over 400 runs. Combined with the Second team game, only 11 wickets fell at the ground on Saturday whilst more than 850 runs were scored.

The Thirds batted first and after the early loss of Ben Foran, Tony Warren added a fine 35 before he too fell. Steve Pursey then joined Adrian Procter and the pair took Nailsea to 213 at tea, without further loss. Procter finished on a fine 91* with Pursey on 54*.

The day continued to offer little for the bowlers, as St Mary Redcliffe replied in fine style. Wickets for Rich Billows, Pursey and Manazar, could not contain the batsmen, as the target was reached for the loss of just 4 wickets. Mention to young James Warren, who bowled well in his spell without success.

Under a blue sky and with scorching temperatures, Nailsea Second team skipper Rich Kingscott took his life in his hands at home to Bedminster, by winning the toss and electing to field!

However, the decision proved to be correct as the Seconds recorded an emphatic 9 wicket victory. Early wickets for Nick Jervis (second ball), Neil Gladstone-Smith and Steve Spencer had Bedminster on the rack at 66-4, but Bedminster batted well in not losing any further wickets, reaching the break on an imposing 215-4.

In reply, Kingscott and Simon Hopkinson made steady progress. With the wicket still playing well, they accelerated rapidly, taking the partnership to 170, before the skipper fell for 58.

Kieron Walker then joined Hopkinson, as the pair saw Nailsea through to 216 without further loss. Hopkinson finished unbeaten on 84, Walker 22*, with extras contributing a significant 52!!

The win leaves the Seconds handily placed as we approach the halfway point in the season.

Nailsea 3rds hosted Thornbury 3rds at The Grove on Saturday and after losing the toss Nailsea were put in to bat.

In the 3rd over Nailsea had lost both of their openers but Neil Gladstone Smith (27) and Steve Pursey (29) steadied the innings until the 17th over.

James Warren came in and added a careful 14 runs before being caught. No further batsmen were to make any other reasonable score and finished on 114 all out.

Nailsea bowlers started well at the start of the Thornbury innings and with 16 overs gone their score was 51 for 1 with Rich Billows 33 for 1 and Neil Gladstone – Smith 18 for 0.

Thornbury reached their target in the 29th over, James Warren bowled well in his short spell with Nick Jervis being the only other bowler to take any further wickets with 1 (LBW). He also took the catch off the very tight bowling of Rich Billows.

Nailsea Seconds recorded a fantastic away win over league leaders Churchways, restricting them to just 102.

The wickets were shared, with Terry Robinson taking 3-9, Adrian Procter 1-18, Gregg Howett 1-32, Steve Spencer 3-18, Will Turner 1-17 and Jack Smith 1-5.

In reply, Simon Hopkinson provided the perfect platform, with a rock solid 46*, with Dom Wood (22) and James Thompson 12* helping to lead the team to an 8 wicket victory.

Next week, the Seconds take on Old Bristolians Westbury Thirds at Beggar Bush Lane, hoping to keep up their good form.

Nailsea First team got back to winning ways with as comprehensive a win against Hambrook as you are likely to see.

Having asked the visitors to bat, a wicket in the first over, caught behind by Dave Lippiatt off Richard Morris, set the tone.

A series of ill judged shots saw wickets tumble with alarming regularity. Morris ended with 4-15 and fellow opening bowler James Taylor 3-16.

With Liam Lester chipping in with 2-4 and Josh Dann 1-2, Hambrook staggered to just 41 all out.

Despite losing a couple of wickets, Nailsea took just 33 deliveries to reach their target as Tom Moss (16) and Mike Ready (15*) saw the side home, with the match finishing at 3.20!!

Next week’s visitors to The Grove are local rivals Portishead.