JOSH Shaw made an impressive debut for Bristol, hitting his side out of trouble with a quick-fire half century and following up with a burst of 3-23, to help secure a 33-run home win over Frome in Premier Two Bristol/Somerset of the West of England Premier League.
The Gloucestershire star strode out with his new side in serious trouble at 45-6 but responded with 52 off 33 (one four, four sixes) before he was last man out with the total on 121.
Frome, in reply, were in a promising position at 44-0 but were soon struggling at 52-5 thanks to the work of seamers Tommy Probert (4-17) and Dan Jones (2-18).
Shaw then wrapped things up with a fine spell to ensure a second victory of the campaign for Bristol.
Bishopston banked their first win of the summer with a three-wicket success away to Bath 2nds who reached 169-9, Dan Harris bagging 3-31. Jack Penn (45) and former skipper Dave O’Brien (35 not) then saw Bish to the spoils.
The weather badly hit the league programme for a second successive weekend but three results were possible in Premier One, including a hard-earned five-run home success for Downend against Bedminster.
Downend had to battle all the way to reach 196-8 from their 45 after losing the toss, Gloucestershire’s Miles Hammond top scoring on 52 before being smartly caught by county colleague Dom Goodman who was his side’s leading bowler with a return of 3-29.
There was also an important run-a-ball 47 from groundsman Callum Loud who had been on duty since 6am, ensuring the covers and protective sheets were doing their job.
In reply, Bedminster then appeared to be in the driving seat at 129-4 with 15 overs to go, but Downend turned the screw to deny Max Tryfonos (97) a well deserved century and close out a tense win, Ollie Louch claiming 3-25 off seven at the death.
Only one match was completed in Premier Two Glos&Wilts, Goatacre overcoming Marshfield by 136 runs, and no finishes at all in the Gloucestershire division.
There were two results in Bristol & North Somerset. Zemroy Thomas finished with terrific figures of 5-17 to pave the way for a three-wicket win for Bristol West Indian Phoenix at Knowle while Alan Hunt (65) plus spinners Sam Matthews (3-15) and Rob Jones (3-28) shone for Bristol 2nds who downed Congresbury by 72 runs.