Bruce bashes another ton in Swindon victory (From Swindon Advertiser)

Bruce bashes another ton in Swindon victory

8:40am Wednesday 8th July 2009 in

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WHATEVER Swindon achieve in the Glos/Wilts Division this season, at least the majority of their players will end the summer with a decent suntan.

That is the opinion of skipper Darren Beasant who, along with his colleagues, have watched star batsman Bruce Martin bludgeon boundary after boundary this campaign, giving them time to concentrate on more pressing issues.

The South African star has now chalked up more than 650 runs for the season, his latest century coming in the 71-run win at Stroud on Saturday, as his teammates toasted themselves in the baking heat.

“Most of us have got used to working on our sun tans and shouting ‘good shot Bruce’,” admitted Beasant.

“The way he’s going at the moment, he might have 1,000 runs in July.

“We’re certainly batting very well (as a team) and Bruce is in terrific nick.”

Martin crashed 120 runs from 88 balls at the weekend as he was ably supported by fellow opener Marc Williamson (37), and then John Baden (47).

Adam Tribbick (46 not out) also helped the innings along as Swindon made a whopping 298-8 in their 50 overs, in spite of Kieran Smith’s 6-89.

In reply, James Job (60) and Chris Job (48) provided the main contributions as Stroud fell short on 227-9 in their 50 overs.

Martin, Dean Williamson and Asanka Vithanage claimed two victims each, but Michael Wilson was chief wicket-taker with three.

Meanwhile, Lechlade were unable to record back-to-back wins against relegation rivals Lydney, as they were defeated by 50 runs in Gloucestershire.

Lydney batted first and started positively, against what could only be described as a lethargic fielding and bowling performance, the highlight being captain Paul Godding’s 4-55.

The home side were indebted to Jonathan Kear (120) and Tony Scott (31), while 40 extras from Lechlade helped Lydney closed on 252-9.

In reply, Fred Richardson (37), Paul Godding (26) and Roger Pettifer (24) all scored runs but Lechlade fell behind the clock.

Club captain Paul Rowley took time to find his form, but a rapid stand of 60 with Ross Jeffels (30), gave the away side an outside chance.

But as wickets fell, Rowley chanced his arm once too often and was last out for a belligerent 56, as Lechlade closed on 202 all out.

Scott with 3-37 and Paul Morris (3-44) were the main wicket takers. Although Lechlade lost, they still picked up eight valuable points.

Elsewhere, Wootton Bassett plunged further into the relegation mire following their late seven-wicket defeat at Marshfield.