Nailsea completed a very successful weekend handily placed in third spot of the Bristol and District Div 12, with their fate and potential promotion in their own hands. Their final two games are against Whitchurch, who are in second place and a final game against Bristol  Malayalee, who currently sit in fourth. Only a few points separate second to fifth place.

Saturday saw Nailsea asked to bat, on a good home track against visitors Bedminster.

Gary Phippen and Mike Ready got the home side off to a good start, adding 35, before Phippen fell for 21.

That dismissal brought Jamie Elswood to the crease. Returning to cricket after a couple of seasons away, Elswood showed he has lost none of his undoubted ability, as he and Ready added a superb 168 for the second wicket.

With a large total assured, both batsmen selflessly chased quick runs and both were to fall for 90 apiece.

Ryan Orr added a quick 16 and Tony Hill and Pete Hardcastle saw Nailsea conclude on a challenging 250 for 4 from their 40 overs.

After the break, Bedminster started cautiously, with Steve Lester contributing a very nice early spell of 5 overs for just 7 runs, including a couple of wickets.

The introduction of spin twin Ian Sherreard ( 3 -17 ) and veteran pace bowler Richard Billows, with a six over spell for just 3 runs, kept the middle overs very tight.

Tony Hill then got in on the act with his left arm spin, taking 3 wickets for 2 runs in four overs, effectively ending Bedminster’s challenge.

With Jack Smith ( 1-35 ) and James Baber ( 1-19 ) returning to finish off the tail, Nailsea were to run out comfortable winners, by 156 runs, as Bedminster were dismissed for 96.

Another fine all round team effort, leaving the side with all to play for.