Cleeve CC seconds were beaten by 96 runs at Carsons & Mangotsfield last Saturday.

The hosts was asked to bat first on this hot afternoon, as wickets were difficult to come by as the batters found life relatively easy. 

Captain George Parsons rang the changes as Tom Redding (4-34), James Boulton (8-44), Cam Elswood (4-44) were unsuccessful. 

However, it was pace off that seemed to work best as off spin from Mark Jones (8-1-28) that drew first blood removing Tom Smurthwaite for 37 at 107-1 and then wrist spin from Ellis Turner (8-1-46) dismissing Alex Wallage for two, at 126-2.

Robbie Wilsher (4-36) and Jack Chatfield (2-28) were unsuccessful as last change Paul Todd removed Tom Manning for 31 thanks to Chatfield’s safe hands, leaving Max Garland 23 and opener Stephen Sykes a fine 162, the not out batsmen, posting a daunting 288-3 at tea.

In reply, Cleeve started badly with tumbling wickets losing Charlie Grubb (6), Dan Dixon (0), Jones (1), Elswood (0) and Turner (1), at 36-5.

Meanwhile captain Parsons accumulated runs at the other end at a run a ball and was clearly finding batting more comfortable. 

Boulton provided some support adding 28 before departing stumped off Woodland, as Cleeve wickets continued to fall losing Wilsher (5), Chatfield (4) as Todd ended five not out to support Parsons who secured his second century of the season to ending on a superb 109 not out as Cleeve fell short of their target.

Next week see Cleeve hosting Clevedon Thirds, hoping to get back to winning ways.