Bristol & District Carsons boost promotion bid with thrilling victory

CARSONS & Mangotsfield held their nerve for a tense two-wicket win away to Barrow Gurney to remain in contention for a third promotion in three seasons in the Martin Berrill Sports Bristol & District League.

- Steve HILL

Captain Ed Holdaway (65) and opener Mark Brown (44) helped the home side reach 210-8 after losing the toss, with Sam Brayley, Jack Woodland and Isaac Buckingham all taking two wickets.

Carsons, in reply, were soon on the back foot at 55-4 before George Farmer dug in with 60, while Buckingham blasted an unbeaten 61 from 43 balls to complete the victory with just three balls to spare. The result keeps Carsons second, 11 points behind leaders Bristol Sri Lankans, who they host on Saturday.

Two wickets apiece from Deepal Dewage and Benura Umanga helped reduce Chew Valley to 120-9 ahead of Onila Rajapaksha (38) leading the Sri Lankans to a four wicket triumph.

Third-placed Bristol Aces remain in the promotion conversation following a five-wicket home triumph against University Staff.