Cleeve CC picked up a thumping 10 wicket victory, in a match lasting just 36.3 overs, to move up to second in Bristol & District's First Division table at Knowle Seconds last Saturday.

On a hot day, Knowle were asked to bat first with Cleeve’s opening pacemen bowling well. Whilst Glenn Lewin (4-20) was unsuccessful, Andy Barnsley was on fire at the other end taking the wickets of Ashley Hall (8), Conor McNama (18) both caught by wicketkeeper Tom Carpenter and James Ball respectively, whilst castling Joe Milkins for a second ball duck to leave Knowle at 42-3. 

The irst change pairing of left arm seam of Jack Spiers (3-1-9) and Connor Hance (2-13) continued the theme, as Ian Mills was bowled by Spiers for 13 at 53-4.

However, pace off seemed to bring the best results as skipper Sam Williams’ left arm wrist spin complemented Alfie Parsons off spin and runs became very difficult to secure, resulting in a steady tumble of wickets. Sam Milkins (16) departing first thanks to Spiers’ safe hands, then Dale Ellis (12) out LBW, both to Williams.

Williams was on hand to pouch a catch for Parson’s (7-1-6) dismissal of Jake Haynes (13) at 91-7. Williams then mopped up the tail as Jai Kumar went LBW (1), Neil Brown (0) was removed caught and bowled and finally Sumit Dhadawe was bowled for four as Williams (5-7-18) to leave Knowle all out for just 98 at the end of the 28th over.

Cleeve like to chase and openers Mitch Want and Williams played out two maiden overs before unleashing their attack and after just 8.3 overs, passed Knowle’s score with Want reaching 50 with the winning shot, comprising seven fours and three sixes at a strike rate of over 217 and Williams not out 36 at a strike rate of a mere 124.

This Wednesday sees home B & D Cup action versus Frenchay Seconds and back to the league next Saturday to host Hampset Firsts searching for another win.