This was a must win match as foot of the table as Bristol played host to the current WEPL champions, who have suddenly found themselves embroiled in a battle to avoid the drop.

Featuring a most enterprising innings by Greg Willows, 48, eight fours from just 37 deliveries, while Mas Khan was firmly ensconced at the other end, Clevedon looked bound for glory as the opening pair added 61 from eight overs.

Just as the sun began to shine though the spectre of relegation tapped the visitors on the shoulder and they duly fell apart as Bristol took total control. Even a launch pad of 61 runs could not prevent Clevedon from collapsing in no time and wickets tumbled with embarrassing regularity.

The tail began at number two and there was no redeeming resistance worth recording here as a far from virulent attack stripped the Clevedon innings to the bone with nine overs to spare. It’s criminal not to utilise the full 50 overs no matter how tough the going may be and that’s all I’ll say about that.

Too many times have Clevedon’s bowlers been required to come to the rescue this season but Bristol really had the bit by the teeth and with Fin Trenouth leading the way with 81 the hosts cruised home with 19 overs to spare.

There are no positives to be taken from this debacle but there are plenty of negatives to be addressed.There was a seeming lack of spirit among the side once Greg Willows had been sent packing for 48. Only one other batsman reached 20 and it was a sorry sackcloth and ashes procession that made it to and from the middle as Bristol turned the screw.

Make no mistake Clevedon are now in serious trouble, one of three clubs cut adrift at the foot of the table. They stand just 12 points clear of Bristol while Taunton S A languish at the very bottom 23 points behind. Downend come to call this Saturday and their hosts really must utilise their full 50 overs for the first time this summer.

Standings, all played 11. 1 Potterne 184 pts; 2 Bath, 180; 3 Bridgwater 174; 4 Bedminster 162; 5 Downend 135; 6 Lansdown 132; 7 Cheltenham 122; 8 Clevedon 109; 9 Bristol 97; 10 Taunton S A 86.