Bradford remain in relegation trouble (From This Is Wiltshire)

Bradford remain in relegation trouble

4:50pm Monday 21st July 2008

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BRADFORD remain in relegation trouble in Division One of the Wiltshire League after they were thrashed by nine wickets by visitors Bath Civil Service in their bottom of the table clash on Saturday.

On an overcast day, Bradford won the toss and elected to bat first, but started badly, with both opener Adam Cooksey and number three Nick Gerrish falling cheaply. James Pike played in his usual aggressive fashion for a quick fire 20 but when captain Matthew Harrington was bowled for just one, Bradford were in deep trouble at 60 for four.

A 53 run partnership between opener James Edwards and Clive Warren re-established Bradford in the game. Edwards fell for a well made 54, but the Bradford lower order were unable to stick around much in the face of some accurate spin bowling from Simon Elliman. When Warren fell for 30, Bradford crept to a score of 157 all out.

Elliman registered figures of 10.1-1-30-5, and he was ably supported by swing bowler Dan Nichols (12-0-58-3).

Bath Civil Service attacked from the word go in their reply, with Adam Carlin and Ben Price looking in good touch. After being dropped early in his innings, Price attacked anything loose while Carlin was cutting the ball for fun.

Nothing that Bradford tried seemed to work and Bath Civil Service cantered to victory, losing only one wicket in the process, that of Carlin bowled by Gerrish for 35.

Price made Bradford pay for their drop with 75 not out and he was supported at the end of the innings by Randolph (22 not out).

This was a very disappointing performance from Bradford who must now pick themselves up in time this weekend's relegation battle against an Avebury side who are currently bottom of the table.

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