WEPL Defeat for Downend despite Shafi’s fine knock

YRUS Shafi carried his bat as relegation battling Downend came up just 13 runs short at home to leaders Bridgwater in Premier One of the West of England Premier League.

- Steve HILL

The opener was left high and dry on 83 from 115 (12 fours) for the Bristol side who remain second bottom with four rounds of games to go.

Downend, chasing a target of 295, were in a terrific position at 240-3 in the 38th over, thanks to Shafi and Callum Loud who threatened to win the game with an innings of raw power.

But the home captain was trapped leg before for a powerful 72 from only 44 (ten fours, three sixes) by counterpart Jake Lintott.

And Bridgwater took full advantage to turn the screw and close out an eighth successive win to remain 45 points clear of nearest rivals Bedminster, Alex Russell bagging 3-57.