Rockhampton 151, Biddestone 152-2 (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Rockhampton 151, Biddestone 152-2

BIDDESTONE went top of Glos/Wilts Two as they romped to an eight-wicket victory at Rockhampton on Saturday.

The last three Rockhampton wickets fell for no runs as Biddestone's Mark Unwin and Gordon Bedwell took three wickets apiece.

Rockhampton had started steadily with a 64-run opening partnership.

However the introduction of Bedwell checked the scoring and the home side were unable to push on to a high score.

Bedwell took 3-29 from his 11 overs while Unwin picked up 3-37 from his eight.

In reply, Biddestone looked in trouble at 15-2 with both openers out, but Michael Lodder (81 not out) and Dwaine Perry (58 not out) steadied the ship with 17 boundaries between them.

Despite Rockhampton varying the attack by using seven bowlers the two lasted to the end.

Delighted captain Kris Boulton said: "Michael (Lodder) started the season tentatively and needed a little bit of a knock under his belt. Dwaine (Perry) as become Mr Consistency and as long as he's coming in and scoring 50s every week I will be more than happy.

"When he is scoring runs we are scoring runs.

"We have batted three times for scores of around 150 and I am just waiting to see how we rise to the challenge of reaching a big score."

Boulton also singled out praise for Unwin and Bedwell: "They have been coming in for the middle 15 overs when we need them to do something.

"They keep taking wickets and bowled superbly this week. They really deserve all the praise.

"They are doing brilliantly at the moment and did well against a good batting side.

"There first five batsmen were certainly as good as any other team we have played against this year."

Unbeaten Biddestone travel to Marshfield for their second local derby this Saturday.

Boulton said he hoped for another victory: "It is good to see them back in this league after playing in the Wiltshire League last season.

"They have a good side but hopefully the local derby atmosphere will help my side raise their game."