BEDMINSTER overpowered cross-city rivals Bishopston by 129 runs to lift the Stuart Canvas Gloucestershire Cup at the Seat Unique Stadium.
Both sides observed a minute’s silence in tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II before play began, Bedminster batting after losing the toss.
The WEPL Premier One outfit had to battle hard to total 191 before being bowled out in the 43rd over with Steve Snell making all his experience count to top score with 52 off 66 (three fours, two sixes).
Cameron Melly (40) also made his presence felt as underdogs Bishopston, who play a league below in Premier Two Bristol/Somerset, kept the pressure on throughout with their accurate attack, backed up with some fine catching in the deep.
Joe Cook finished with 3-59 while skipper Dave O’Brien was difficult to get away, claiming 2-26 from nine with Dan Harris (2-34) and Will Thirkell (2-43) also making their presence count.
Bishopston’s hopes of another county cup success, though, floundered as Bedminster – fresh from securing a third-place league finish – immediately turned up the heat with the ball.
Opening bowlers Jino Jojo (3-26) and Jon Conolly (2-28) instantly had Bish on the back foot with Bedminster captain Sai Kamuni (4-7) and Muhammad Tayyab Nasir (1-0 from two) taking complete control.
Top scorer Snell, Gloucestershire’s Performance Director, continued his fine day with a stumping from a wide and also pouched an excellent catch down the leg side as the Bish reply faltered to 62 all out, Gary Booth top scoring on 25.
Scott Tremain, the Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation’s Club Development Manager, said: “Well done to Bedminster on a fine victory, and congratulations also to Bishopston who I’m sure are disappointed but who have had an excellent season overall.
“We would like to thank the County Cricket Club for once again hosting our cup final and to the groundstaff for their hard work behind the scenes and on the day, particularly when they are also preparing to host international cricket this week at the Seat Unique Stadium.
“Thanks too to Stuart Canvas for their sponsorship, while our umpires and scorers also played their part in helping the day go so well.”
Losing finalists Bishopston CC
Stuart Canvas Gloucestershire Cup final umpires Kevin Carden and Ian Young