Chard 1st XI beat Frome 1st XI by 104 runs (Chard 1st XI 222-7, Frome 1st XI 118 all out) – WEPL Somerset, Saturday 18th June

Frome 1st XI put in a lacklustre performance and they contained eight players under the age of 22, as they were comfortably beaten by Chard.

Frome travelled to Chard looking to put their poor fielding display from the week before behind them, but unfortunately for them it continued in a similar fashion. Having won the toss and deciding to bat first, the home side moved to 41 without loss, mainly thanks to extras. However, once Frome took the first wicket, others followed with Neil Dredge (3-37) once again impressing and well backed up by Watts (1-31). They were right back in the contest, restricting Chard to 80 for the loss of 5 wickets. This brought Dalwood to the crease which became the turning point. Dalwood (60 not out) and captain Scott got the home side’s innings back on track with a partnership of 40 before Frome’s captain Mark Sanger (1-36) removed Scott.

Frome became increasingly frustrated when key decisions at big moments failed to go their way and didn’t help themselves with four catches being dropped over the course of the innings. Dalwood and Hunt (36 not out) took Chard to the end as they finished 222-7 in their 50 overs, with Frome contributing 57 extras towards that total.

In reply, Frome went out in a positive manner and attitude, believing they could chase the target down. It became difficult for the batters with defensive fields from the start and Croker was dismissed for 18, leaving Frome 35-1.

The Showmen then lost 3 quick wickets to follow including the inform Paul Sanger to a decision that looked very questionable and were reduced to 49-4.

Frome never managed to maintain another real partnership. It was only thanks to Neil Dredge that the visitors got close to 100 as he hit 4 sixes on his way to top scoring on 36 before he was eventually caught at slip.

Matt Knight was the last wicket to fall after being bowled first ball as Frome slumped to 118 all out. The Showmen know they have a lot of lessons to learn and quickly if they are to get back to winning ways. Frome host Glastonbury next at Fromefield, 1pm start.