CARSONS and Mangotsfield Cricket Club’s 1st team have got off to a mixed start in Division 4 of the Bristol and District Cricket League.
In their first game, following promotion last season, they lost against local rivals Bristol Aces by 37 runs.
The following week saw a strong performance against Blagdon, with opening batsman Tom King scoring 103. The leading bowler was veteran off-spinner Craig Woodland, who took 3-29 as the 1sts won by 69 runs.
The second team, following their promotion, have started with two wins.
A miserly bowling performance from James King of 4-10 saw first opponents Hampset restricted to 133. Batting second, Tom Smurthwaite scored 47 to secure the win.
In the second game, youngster Isaac Buckingham had impressive figures of 3-5 in restricting Taveners to 167. Chasing the total down, James Cathro top-scored with 52.
The third team have also had a mixed start to the season, losing the first game to Bristol Mavericks and then comprehensively beating Pucklechurch by eight wickets in a derby match. James Ward starred with bat and ball, firstly taking 4-40 and then hitting the winning runs to achieve his maiden century.
The Under-19s also played in the Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation Plate Final, which was held over from the 2024 season.
Playing against Almondsbury & Bradley Stoke, Carsons & Mangotsfield reached 166, with Kieran Gallagher scoring 51 not out. But sadly, it was not to be for Carsons & Mangotsfield, as they lost with four balls to spare, finishing runners-up for the second year running.
On the social front, a pre-season darts night raised £300 for Siblings United, which is a small local charity working to help children who are affected by cancer.
Ian Coles