KILVE and Bridgwater A had a keen contest at Kilve Beach on Saturday and even though the home side could only field nine players, they held on for a draw.

Bridgwater were invited to bat and lost their first wicket with the score on 20 when Lewis was run out.

Cowley and Ellis had a steady partnership but when Ellis fell to Trabrett Kilve were still in contention.

Brian Hewson came in and supported Cowley and although Reading was bowling well, without luck, Bridgwater moved on to 107-2 after 31 overs.

Hewson was then dismissed by Tabrett for 38 and when Cowley was caught off Tabrett for 78 Bridgwater were on 146.

Bridgwater's final total of 175-6 was a satisfying total as far as the home side was concerned considering they were two players short.

Tabrett was the pick of the Kilve bowlers finishing with 3-54.

In reply, Hancock and Richards gave a steady start and added 32 before Richards was bowled by Higgins.

Hancock fell shortly after, leaving the game in the balance. Reading and G Thorne then made a useful stand and at 108-2 Kilve looked on top.

The unfortunate run out of Thorne turned the game in Bridgwater's favour and when Reading was bowled for 49 Kilve chances of winning were disappearing.

Mark Thorne then hit a couple of boundaries but when he was caught out on the boundary and the score on 120-6 and ten overs remaining skipper Bryan Gunning had to settle for playing for the draw which he and Tabrett successfully achieved, Kilve finishing on 137-6.

The visitor's best bowler was Higgins with 3-30.

This was a fighting performance by all Kilve's nine players to avoid defeat.

Bridgwater A: 175 (Cowley 78, Hewson 38, G Tabrett 3-54).

Kilve II: 137-6 (M Reading 49, G Thorne 20, Higgins 3-30).