Alderman takes five wickets as Bridges suffer 44-run defeat

After another promising performance in the field, Three Bridges lost by 44 runs to newly promoted Ansty.
Bowling Andrew Smith of Three Bridges v Burgess Hill . Cricket. 02-05-15.Pic Steve Robards SUS-150205-213752001Bowling Andrew Smith of Three Bridges v Burgess Hill . Cricket. 02-05-15.Pic Steve Robards SUS-150205-213752001
Bowling Andrew Smith of Three Bridges v Burgess Hill . Cricket. 02-05-15.Pic Steve Robards SUS-150205-213752001

On a pitch that served uo inconsistent bounce, Matt Blandford posed problems early in the Ansty innings and took the early wickets of James Whybrow and Jonathan Young.

Blandford left the attack after tweaking a hamstring, but overseas bowler Andy Smith took the key wickets of Jethro Menzies and Ansty’s overseas player Grove Ventor.

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With the unenviable task of bowling up a steep hill, Danny Alderman bowled his usual tight line and picked up regular wickets at the other end.

When Alderman took his 4th wicket at 107, Bridges were well on top, but a last wicket stand of 36 by Daniel Belfort and Ben Towler gave Ansty impetous at the interval.

Belfort eventually fell for a crucial 38, holing Alderman out to Smith at long-off. This gave Alderman a well-deserved 5-wicket haul. All Bridges bowlers bowled well in a strong performance.

While Bridges’ bowling and fielding were good, the batting performance was a real struggle against a tight Ansty attack. Conor Golding hinted at a really positive start to the innings but when he, James Chadburn and Brad Gayler went in a short space of time, Bridges were struggling.

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From that point on, only Alderman looked like taking Bridges to victory as the hosts applied the pressure.

When Alderman fell to a good slower ball from Sam Palser for 37, the Bridges tail fell tamely and the hosts claimed a 44-run victory.