Major Cup

Ilminster were the first team to secure a semi-final spot with a resounding victory over Shapwick & Polden. Ben Johnston carried his bat for 117* and with good contributions from Jon Hurford and Sam Spurway, Ilminster closed their innings on 194/3. Shapwick’s reply was sporadic, James Hayman started his innings strongly, as did Callum Harvey, Gabriel Findlay and Will Mason, but the introduction of Sam Grinter into the attack decimated the reply as he took a superb 6-13 off 4 overs, and Shapwick were all out for 150.

The big hitting Iraq Thomas failed to fire with the bat for Clevedon when they took on Bedminster but Josh Breed and Cameron Harding helped their team post 120 off their 20 overs. In response, Thomas made up for his lack of runs by taking 3-16. This only delayed the inevitable as 52 off 51 balls from Joseph Shean meant Bedminster passed the total in the 19th over.

Over in the North East of the county, Keynsham hosted Bath and were treated to a batting masterclass. Sam Young fell agonisingly short of his half century off just 19 balls, but Harry Ellison (77) and Ashur Morrison (68*) helped Bath post 203/2. Raj Biswa and Ben Ackland were not to be under-estimated as they hit 51 and 84* respectively. There efforts weren’t quite enough as they closed their innings on 183/2, and Bath progressed to the semi-finals.

Rounding off the quarters, Bridgwater hosted Taunton St Andrews. Two wickets a piece for Matthew Liberman, Justin Burke and Luke Poole wasn’t enough to stem the flow of runs as Chris Skidmore and Alex Eckland helped Bridgwater post 215-6. Saints must have felt confident as they posted a first wicket partnership of 80, however wickets then fell at regular intervals at Saints were bowled out for 166.