Chipping Sodbury CC 3rd XI 155 beat Stoke Gifford CC 1st XI 135/4 by 20 runs
Stoke Gifford’s 1st XI made the short trip away to The Ridings to face Chipping Sodbury CC 3rd XI in the Bateman Trophy. The hosts won the toss and opted to take first use of the pitch, setting up an entertaining 20-over contest that saw full commitment from both sides in the field.
Chipping Sodbury built their total around a brisk knock from top-order batter Reece Packer. Packer proved to be the standout performer for the hosts, striking four boundaries and four sixes in a lively 45. Bruce Marques added 11 at the top, while middle-order contributions from James Millett (13), Oliver Hunter (17), Archie Meredith (12), Chris Meredith (10), and Charlie Wiffen (10 not out) helped push the score steadily upwards.
However, Stoke Gifford worked tirelessly to restrict the home side, bowling them out off the final delivery of their 20 overs for 155. Joe Black was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with figures of 3 for 34 from his four overs, including the key dismissals of Packer, Marques, and Angus Howard. Shabir Azizi was exceptionally frugal in his four-over spell, conceding just 14 runs while removing Millett lbw. jamie black also struck twice, taking 2 for 26 to dismiss Chris Meredith and Hunter, while Jamie Franks picked up 1 for 20 with the wicket of Sam Crabbe.
Stoke Gifford’s effort in the field was further highlighted by three sharp run-outs, executed by Ian Semple, Shabir Azizi, and Joe Black, ensuring Chipping Sodbury were kept under constant pressure throughout their innings.
Set 156 for victory, Stoke Gifford began their run chase with Matt Semple scoring 8 and Henry Birt making 16. The innings then found its focal point in Lewis Jefferies, who batted with great composure to anchor the chase. Jefferies was in superb touch, striking seven crisp boundaries to finish unbeaten on 52.
He enjoyed good support along the way from Shabir Azizi, who completed a fine all-round match with a valuable 23 containing three fours. Lewis Russell added further impetus to the middle order with a solid 20, and Ian Semple closed out the innings on 2 not out.
Despite keeping plenty of wickets in hand, Stoke Gifford ultimately fell just behind the required rate, closing their 20 overs on 135 for 4 and conceding a 20-run defeat. While Chipping Sodbury secured the win to progress in the Bateman Trophy, Stoke Gifford can reflect on a disciplined bowling display, energetic fielding, and a polished undefeated half-century from Jefferies.