Ilminster CC 1st XI 143 / 3 (16.0) lost to Bridgwater CC 1st XI 149 / 2 (14.3)

ILMINSTER Cricket Club have been knocked out of the Baker Cup at the Semi-Final stage in a match against Bridgwater CC.

The game was played at the mutual location of Taunton St Andrews CC and it was always going to be a tough match for Ilminster.

Originally the game was due to be played earlier this month, but rain stopped play partway through it.

In the end, the team in the top division of cricket in Somerset were too good for Ilminster, by a margin of eight wickets.

After winning the toss, Ilminster elected to bat first and they went on to set the target at 143 runs in 16 overs.

Ben Johnston opened the batting and starred for his side as he scored an impressive 78 runs off 44 deliveries, smashing three fours and seven sixes on the way.

Unfortunately, his batting partner at the start of the match, Adeesha Nanayakkara, was out first ball for a duck.

Callum Pope took the wicket of the dangerous Nanayakkara and he doubled down when he dismissed Josh Lee for eight runs soon after.

Sam Spurway was next to the crease and he added an important 40 runs to the total to help make the score more defendable for Ilminster.

And George Hayward finished seven not out with Johnston at the other end of the crease to leave that target at 143.

Pope finished with two wickets for 25 runs in his spell for Bridgwater and had the best bowling figures. The other wicket was taken by Charlie Sharland.

In reply, Bridgwater made inroads early into the total as opening bats Harminder Singh and Chris Skidmore set their intentions clear.

Singh scored a quick 24 runs before he was dismissed by a great delivery from Cal Rice that was caught by Ben Johnston.

Sharland stayed at the crease for the rest of the innings for Bridgwater as he finished 92 not out off just 49 balls. He truly has been in strong form in the Baker Cup this campaign.

His knock featured five fours and a wild nine sixes, as he demonstrated his hitting power.

Batting at three, Sharland added five runs before he was caught out by Michael McNee off a Johnston delivery.

When that wicket fell though, Bridgwater were 104 for 2 and had ample time to make up the remaining 40 runs required.

Skidmore was joined by Alex Eckland and the pair did the job required of them to earn Bridgwater the win.

Cal Rice finished with the best bowling figures for Ilminster going one for 25 in his four over spell.

All in all a disappointing end to an exciting cup run for Ilminster but they can hold their heads high knowing they pushed a top quality Bridgwater side to the end.

Up next for Ilminster is a return to league action on Saturday against Golden Hill CC away from home.