Cleeve CC progressed to round 2 of the Tony Hitch Cup this week after hosting Lodway CC 1st team and winning the T20 match-up by 17 runs.

With sunshine and clear blue skies overhead, 67 from Cleeve’s skipper Sam Williams and 43 not out from James Ball led the way as Cleeve’s bowlers were supported by top class fielding.

Cleeve were delighted to be invited to bat first with openers Mitch Want and skipper Sam Williams hitting 10 runs off the first over.

Want had arrived moments earlier at Bristol Airport after getting engaged in sunnier climates but was bowled by Rice for four at the start of the second over.

James Ball joined his skipper and continued with the form shown last Saturday, as the pair reached a risk free 63 runs off the first 10 overs.

They then upped the run rate with Williams hitting two straight maximums in addition to eight 4s before being bowled just past the half-century mark for 67, putting Cleeve at 104-2 at the end of the 14th over.

With little time to make a mark, Tom Birt, Jack Spiers, Connor Hance and Andy Barnsley added 13 more runs off the bat between them, leaving Alfie Parsons on five and Ball on a strong 43 as Cleeve posed 150 at the halfway mark.

In reply, Cleeve knew they had to bowl and field well and after a tight opening over from Sam Jervis, two overs for 1 wicket, Barnsley castled Norval at the start of the second at 9-1.

Stiffel departed in the next over to a Want run out and Rowsell was pouched by Birt at square leg off a Hance, three overs 1 -20, full toss for 15 at 36-3.

Lodway’s healthy run rate continued, as Tom Baughan, three overs for 24, was unsuccessful, so left arm seam was introduced.

First from Jack Spiers who removed Shopland via a keeper Tom Carpenter catch at 71-4 in the 9th over.

Then the skipper’s same action from the other end removed the dangerous Pearce for 46 at 106-5 and then a grab from Ball landed a 2nd wicket for Williams, three overs 2-22.

Spiers nabbed his 2nd by bowling Parkhouse first ball for 0 to end four overs 2-18 and a direct hit from Barnsley from the deep ran out Rice for 17 at 125 -8.

With eight down it seemed like just a matter of time but Lodway threatened until a 2nd run out from Want removed the concern at 132-9, completing a fine spell.

Barnsley returned to take the final wicket in the 18th over to end Lodway’s fight, all out for 133 and giving Cleeve the victory by 17 runs.