FORMER England international Jack Russell watched wicketkeeper Sam Bracey in action for Thornbury on Saturday as they fell to a narrow defeat in a thrilling match against Bridgwater.

Bracey, 16, is part of the Gloucestershire academy and has already played for the second team.

Russell, who coaches all wicketkeepers on the county’s books, saw Bracey take a good early catch off the bowling of Juvaunie Gayle (1-30) to remove Bridgwater’s opening batsman Michael Coles before Harry Blackwell (1-19) bowled Merv Hallaran to reduce the visitors to 14-2.

The players were on and off due to rain with the game being reduced to 31 overs per side, but Thornbury continued to make headway as Richard Trotman (1-25) and Wayne Kylander (1-30) took one wicket apiece before Greg Mallite (3-28) took two quick wickets, leaving Bridgwater on 78-6.

However, Tom Clarke struck 43 off 40 balls and shared 50 with Jonathan Vickery before becoming Mallite’s third victim.

Scott Clapp hit an unbeaten 17 off 14 balls to help Bridgwater to a competitive total.

Thornbury lost opening batsman Nick Stovold and Kylander early on but appeared to be on course for victory with captain Trotman at the crease.

He struck seven fours and three sixes on his way to 70 off 81 balls, and shared 53 with Steven Ford (29) before Thornbury slumped from 124-3 to 136-6.

The game went down to the final over and Scott Clapp took a hat-trick with the final three balls, removing Stephen Caple, Bracey and Joe Maiden, to seal a dramatic win for Bridgwater.

Thornbury, who moved down to place to sixth, visit struggling Taunton St Andrews on Saturday.

l The senior ladies of Thornbury CC are once again holding a Cream Tea afternoon at the Ship Ground on Thursday, July 7, at 4pm to raise money for St Peter’s Hospice.

The ladies would like all Thornbury members to get involved and support this very worthwhile cause by either donating items for sale or attending on the day.