In Group 1 Gloucs & Wilts entertained Dyfed-Powys at Bath CC and spent 40 overs chasing leather as they amassed 319 - 4 with Richard Grant leading the way with 156* (14 x 6, 11 x 4….128 in boundaries) with the 5 supporting cast all reaching scores between 17 & 42.
GLW were never really in the hunt and folded to 212 all out (Gill 50) in 39 with Simon Cole 4 - 29 the pick of the bowlers. Grant also followed up his mammoth innings with 3 - 35.
North Wales hosted South Wales & Gwent at Colwyn Bay. The visitors batted first scoring 205 with Martin 60 and Molford 51. In reply N. Wales were bundled out for 154 with Samuel 4 - 24.
DPP has now completed their fixtures and currently sit at the top of the table with 9 points and a run rate of 0.5.
They await the final match of the Group to be played on 14 July between Devon & Cornwall (6pts / run rate 0) v South Wales & Gwent (6pts / run rate 0.3) which was postponed due to the G7 summit. The calculators will be out as all 3 teams are in with a chance of topping the group and setting up a home semi final v Kent.
In Group 3 West Midlands hosted North West at Kidderminster CC. The hosts batted first scoring a competitive 252 - 7 (A. McWalter 79, P. Hamilton 50, Phillip 3 - 49). In reply Gary Knight 130* continued his recent run if good form with his 2nd century in the competition with another during BPCC Tour week as NWA cruised home with 4 overs to spare setting up a winner takes all final fixture v Staffs. The winners if this Group will travel to reigning Champions Northumbria & Durham for their semi final.
NWA v Staffs provisionally set for Monday 19 July
Finally what initially was a 3 way battle heading into the last round of matches involving Kent / Met City and Essex was reduced to 2 as Herts were forced to concede to Met as unable to raise a side. This left Met stranded on 9 points, level with Kent but with an inferior run rate.
Meanwhile Essex were travelling Sevenoaks only to find on arrival the groundsman had decided to call the game off due to a waterlogged surface……there were no signs of covers at this Premier League venue!!
Some frantic calls were made and other ground was found at short notice so a huge message of thanks to Four Elms CC for allowing this important fixture to take place as Essex could still qualify with a win and superior run rate whilst Kent just required victory.
A 35 over fixture was agreed. Kent batted first scoring 167 (Roffey 88*, Drakeley 44). A couple of ears wickets put Essex on the back foot and despite contributions from Roberts 47 and Webster 32 they were always behind the run rate eventually ending on 144 - 9.
Kent now await to travel to the eventual winners of Group 1.
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