Somerset Stragglers travelled to Exmoor to play Bridgetown CC in the latest instalment of this historic fixture that finds its beginnings at the early history of both Somerset Stragglers and Bridgetown CC.

On this occasion Somerset Stragglers won the toss and elected to bat first and made steady progress under the watchful and youthful eyes of openers Max O'Farrell (aged 17) and Ollie White (aged 14). Farrell was the first Stragglers wicket to fall caught attempting a upward drive over mid-off before number 3, Callum White, older brother of Ollie also followed shortly afterwards after a sharp catch in the covers.

Sam Burgess built steadily with the young White before unleashing an array of attacking shots against the Bridgetown bowlers. A run a ball 50 became a 73 ball hundred with twelve 4s and no less than seven 6s as Burgess retired on exactly 100 not out. Ollie White eventually fell for a well made 28 on his first time opening the batting in senior cricket.

Statto Edmonds provided some late impetus with 44 from 32 balls including three 6s against his former side before he was bowled by Stragglers Chairman Rob Stevens who was operating for his home side. Stragglers finished on a respectable 270-5 from the allocated 40 overs before a sumptuous homemade tea was enjoyed in the Exmoor sunshine.

The Bridgetown reply started watchfully against the Stragglers new ball pair of Luke Williams and Melvyn Gale before James Brigers (3-54 ) worked his way through the Bridgetown middle order ably assisted by Sam Burgess standing at slip who held a sharp deflection off the gloves of Statto Edmonds to remove the dangerous Dan Sizer who had moved to 41 from 31 balls with a flurry of boundaries.

Krishnan Subramanian gave an exhibition of left arm finger spin to bowl 7 overs, 3 maidens, 1 wicket for 8 runs before Callum White (3-2) removed the obdurate Mike Lanning for 23. Max O'Farrell and Ollie White also took a wicket each as Bridgetown fell to 152 all out in the 36th over to see Stragglers win by 118 runs.

Many thanks to Bridgetown CC for hosting the latest instalment of this fixture and for providing a most enjoyable tea and hospitality. Special thanks to Miles Richards from Bridgetown CC who stood at both ends to umpire on behalf of both sides. Stragglers look forward to returning to Bridgetown CC in 2026.