Ellison's lone hand not enough as Clevedon lose to Bath

WEPL Premier One
Bath 279-4 Clevedon 179
Piers McBride Snr reports

Clevedon found themselves slithering further into the mire of relegation as the result of this totally one sided mauling by the champions elect.

Unfortunately, with the exception of the go it alone hero Harry Ellison, Clevedon’s batsmen had absolutely nothing whatsoever to offer as once again they permitted an opposition attack to dictate each and every phase of the innings.

The indomitable century maker Ellison could have won this game had there been even the slightest suggestion of defiance at the other end but he was forced to play a lone hand as every one of his team mates arrived and then departed with indecent haste.

Winning the toss the visitors took full advantage of the ideal batting conditions and they cruised along while Clevedon’s attack sweltered in the blazing sun. A undefeated century from Greg Hay, together with sizeable contributions from George Hankins, Tim Rouse and Sam Mount, enabled Bath to post a daunting target after losing just four wickets.

With conditions still perfect for batting there were hopes of a defiant response for the hosts but once again they didn’t even flatter to deceive they just deceived. Two wicket’s down for just 12 runs, well what else is new, Harry Ellison then took control and playing with imperious freedom he gave a classic batting masterclass.

Twelve boundaries illuminated his quite sublime and undefeated 100 not out but he was never given any support as wickets were thrown away with gay abandon. Only two batsmen reached double figures, 13 and 15, and it took 25 extras to secure an extra batting point. The other eight batsmen garnered just 26 runs between them and just when they needed to play a watching brief in order to support Harry most were dismissed trying to swat the ball over the clubhouse. It goes without saying that the home side were once again unable to utilise their full 50 overs.

Clevedon are now tangled in a genuine battle against relegation and the inability of the batsmen to cope with even the most moderate of attacks must surely be addressed before it’s too late. This Saturday’s clash with Taunton on Dial Hill must be won.

Standings 1 Bath 153 pts; 2 Potterne 148; 3 Bridgwater 143; 4 Bedminster 124; 5 Lansdown 116; 6 Downend 100; 7 Cheltenham 98; 8 Clevedon 86; 9 Bristol 77; 10 Taunton St Andrews 75.