By Charles Randall

6 July 2012

Bridgwater CC are attempting to reach the quarter-finals of the Kingfisher Beer Cup this weekend with a visit to Salisbury against Southern League leaders South Wilts CC, a formidable hurdle, but the presence of the former Somerset seam bowler Steffan Jones has proved a major factor so far.

In the previous round Jones, always tight with his bowling, hit five sixes in a decisive innings as Bridgwater beat the visiting Devon Premier League leaders Bovey Tracey by 86 runs. Regarded as a tail-ender in his county days, Jones can at least boast a first class century -- a very good one I witnessed against the touring New Zealanders at Taunton -- and he would be regarded as a genuine all-rounder at club level.

Jones struck 64 off 38 balls for the Somerset Premier Leaguers in a 45-over total of 249 for eight and then picked up three wickets as Bovey Tracy tried in vain to maintain the required run rate against new-ball bowler Chris Skidmore, who took 3-18 from his nine overs. Charlie Carter top-scored for Bovey with an impressive undefeated 75 off 60 balls.

William Root hit a maiden century for his new club Cuckney, the Nottinghamshire Premier League leaders, in a 75-run win over Hanging Heaton. The former Sheffield Collegiate batsman -- and brother of Yorkshire player Joe -- hit 101 not out from 89 balls, including five sixes.

Among this year’s last 16 are former winners of the national knockout competition Chorley, Teddington, York and Blackpool. The Kingfisher Cup winners will receive £5,000, with the final taking place at Derbyshire's county ground on 16 September. Runners-up secure £2,000, and quarter-finalists £500.

Kingfisher Cup fixtures

Sunday, 8 July

Bamford Fieldhouse v Ormskirk

Brentwood v Barnt Green

Chorley v Cuckney

Havant v Teddington

South Wilts v Bridgwater

Tunbridge Wells v Wanstead & Snaresbrook

York v Ockbrook & Borrowash

Sunday, 15 July

Neston v Kidderminster Victoria