Saturday’s weather forecast predicted fine weather for ducks and five Clevedon batsmen duly obliged in their WEPL defeat against Bridgwater.

North Somerset Times: Clevedon's Masoor Khan and Harry Ellison celebrate a wicket (pic Jason Crane)Clevedon's Masoor Khan and Harry Ellison celebrate a wicket (pic Jason Crane) (Image: Archant)

Several of the defending champions' batsmen produced a repeat performance of the previous week by failing to trouble long-suffering scorer Chalky White as they were skittled for 91.

Masoor Khan (28), Harry Ellison (21) and Will Carpenter (16) reached double figures but it was only thanks to 15 extras that Clevedon were able to make as many as they did.

The track was slightly damp and the home side's experienced pace attack nipped the ball about, but after losing both Will Thirkell and Greg Willows with the score at one, the signs were bleak for Clevedon.

Ellison smacked two sixes and two fours before being trapped lbw, but opener Masoor dug in and looked set for the long haul until missing a straight one from the pacy Chris Singleton.

There was nothing in the way of genuine resistance after that. The stylish Carpenter looked safe and secure for a while but once he gave up residence in the middle the game was up after just 34 overs.

Young first-team debutant Scott Ford went in at seven but was left high and dry as all around him just couldn't wait to get back to the pavilion.

Having won the toss Bridgwater held the trump cards but their bowlers fully utilised the conditions with Chris Skidmore taking 5-32 from nine overs, Ed Leonard 1-15 from his nine and Singleton 2-23 from his allowance.

The hosts soon lost opener Max Waller to Clevedon spearhead Dan Williams, but a torn hamstring after just two overs ended his spell and Bridgwater eased home.

Their batsmen opted to take no chances against left-arm spinners Jake Lintott (2-26) and William Thirkell (2-19) who shared 18 parsimonious overs but victory was inevitable and duly delivered after 28 overs.

Coach Piers McBride and skipper Lintott certainly have a task on their hands as their bowlers, arguably the best in the league, are keeping the team in contention, but runs are at a premium.

Perhaps Carpenter in company with Khan at the top of the batting order at Bedminster this Saturday?

Standings (played seven): 1 Bath, 127 pts; 2 Potterne 108; 3 Bridgwater 100; 4 Bedminster 96; 5 Downend 88; 6 Clevedon 80; 7 Lansdown 78; 8 Taunton St Andrews 67; 9 Bristol 60; 10 Cheltenham 57.