MELKSHAM lost the toss and were asked to bat first on a pitch that looked like it would favour the bowlers after the weather in the week leading up to the game. After losing both opening batsmen in the first 8 overs, things were looking ominous for Melksham.
Ed Skippings and Joe Veacock dug in however and after seeing off the opening bowlers, were able to capitalise on the second string Bathford bowlers with Veacock playing some destructive shots on his way to another half century. Veacock was well caught on 64 after a 97 run partnership with Skippings and after he was also dismissed, it was left to the lower order to boost the Melksham total. Jack Footner stepped up with his first league fifty for Melksham and helped set a total of 221 from their 45 overs, a good effort given the tough batting conditions.
Bathford’s reply started slowly as Melksham’s openers bowled economically, although struggled to take wickets. After finding the breakthrough however, Paul Merrett (63) came in for Bathford and upped the run rate somewhat, although the slow start from Bathford was too much to overcome as they batted out their 45 overs but couldn’t get close enough to challenge Melksham’s total, finally finishing on 180 for 5.
