Clevedon claim vital victory in rain-hit clash to keep bid alive

Josh Davey and wicketkeeper Connor Crane celebrate a wicket (pic Jason Crane) (Image: Archant)

Any vestige of play was prevented until 2pm, at which point captain Jake Lintott won the toss and put the hosts into bat.

With in-form Danny Williams (1-19 off seven) and Josh Davey (1-11 off eight) polishing off the openers in short order, Lansdown found themselves floundering.

And they were further inconvenienced when left-arm spinner Will Thirkell came into the attack to full effect to claim 3-24 from seven overs.

A really heavy downpour appeared certain to curtail play for the duration with Lansdown 123-5 from 34 overs, but the clouds dispersed eventually to leave Clevedon to chase down a Duckworth Lewis-amended score of 98 from 20 overs.

Will Thirkell takes a wicket (pic Jason Crane) (Image: Archant)

Their top order has wobbled for much of the season, but there was no sign of nerves on this occasion as openers Masoor Khan and Harry Ellison set about their task with relish.

They put on 25 in no time, before Ellison departed for 19 from 13 balls, having his four fours, and Khan ensured there was no let-up for the hosts as he led the charge to victory with a run-a-ball 48 not out.

Khan hit a six and four fours and Davey (16 not out) helped to sweep Clevedon home to an eight-wicket win in just 16 overs, to keep the relegation wolf from the door, at least for the time being with just three more matches to play.

Clevedon entertain Bridgwater this Saturday and only a victory will do if Taunton St Andrws and Bristol are to be kept at arms length in the scramble to avoid the drop.

Jake Lintott in bowling action (pic Jason Crane) (Image: Archant)

Standings (15 matches): Potterne 270 points; Bath 231; Bedminster 206; Bridgwater 203; Downend 183; Cheltenham 167; Lansdown 164; Clevedon 154; Taunton St Andrews 131; Bristol 129.

Josh Davey hits out for Clevedon (pic Jason Crane) (Image: Archant)