Stoke Gifford CC 144/4 beat Babbacombe CC 138/6 by 6 runs
Stoke Gifford secured a hard-fought six-run victory against Babbacombe CC in a closely contested Twenty20 encounter on home turf. After winning the toss and choosing to bat, the hosts set the foundation for a competitive total, which they ultimately defended thanks to a brilliant bowling spell late in the second innings.
Dave Stubbs got the home side off to a lively start at the top of the order. Stubbs struck five fours and two sixes in an aggressive 42 from 36 deliveries, putting on a strong opening platform alongside Ryan Edwards. Edwards accumulated a steady 16 off 30 balls before retiring not out. The opening stand reached 70 before Stubbs was bowled by Rob Redding.
A minor stumble followed when Sam Horner was bowled by Matthew Williams for 1, but Lewis Jefferies brought immediate impetus to the middle order, clearing the boundary twice in a rapid 22 from 17 balls. After Jefferies fell lbw to Jake Peters with the score at 105/3, Henry Birt took charge. Birt scored a valuable, unbeaten 26 off 23 balls, featuring three boundaries. Alexander Carr added a quick 6 before being caught by Henry Stubbs off Will Backholer, leaving Jamie Franks (9 not out) to join Birt and steer Stoke Gifford to 144/4 from their 20 overs. Henry Stubbs was the standout bowler for Babbacombe, finishing a remarkably tight four-over spell conceding just six runs.
Babbacombe began their pursuit with intent. Gabriel Prior led the charge with a punchy 32 off 25 balls, supported by opener Jack Alcock. However, Stoke Gifford found crucial breakthroughs through Jamie Franks. Franks had Prior caught by Lewis Jefferies with the score at 47, and shortly after clean bowled Seth Williams for 1. Jefferies then made his mark with the ball, removing Alcock (19) caught by Franks to leave the visitors at 74/3.
The match hung in the balance as Will Backholer (19) and Matthew Williams (31 off 28 balls) re-established control for the visitors, pushing their score past 100. Enter Alexander Carr. In a game-changing spell, Carr bowled Backholer for 19, then bowled Jake Peters for a duck at 115/5. With the game reaching its climax, Carr trapped the dangerous Matthew Williams lbw for 31 to finish with outstanding match-winning figures of 3 for 14 from his four overs.
Despite 29 extras aiding Babbacombe's chase, Rob Pollard (3 not out) and Josh Ballard (4 not out) could not find the boundaries required in the final moments. Babbacombe finished just six runs short on 138/6, capping off a thrilling performance and a well-earned home win for Stoke Gifford.