Frome 2s storm to opening day Middlezoy success

Frome 2nd XI beat Middlezoy 1st XI by 67 runs. Frome 2nd XI: 260-7 (45 overs) Middlezoy 1st XI: 193 all out (44.1 overs)

Frome 2nd XI powered to a convincing win on the opening day of their MLS Somerset Division 2 campaign at home to Middlezoy. 

Despite contending with some inclement weather and fading light, the Showmen delivered an excellent performance to gain maximum points and launch their league season in the perfect fashion.

On a cold and damp afternoon at Fromefield the visitors won the toss and invited Frome to bat. Openers Dan Dredge and Potter survived a testing opening burst and short rain delay to gradually assert control with a positive partnership of 80. When Dredge (42) was dismissed LBW, Pinchen continued the fight in an excellent second-wicket stand of 106 with Potter – both batsmen sweeping to great effect as the hosts moved themselves into a position of dominance. 

Pinchen (49) finally perished to a top edge and was soon followed by Potter (67), however with an excellent platform set Unwin (33) provided further impetus to the back end of the innings. Barnard (4-32) returned to snare some late wickets for the visitors, but Frome still went into the interval with a challenging 260-7 on the board.

As the temperature dropped Frome got off to a good start as Cox provided an early breakthrough, however a sloppy period followed for the hosts as Middlezoy rebuilt impressively – manoeuvring the score to 114-2. 

With a breakthrough needed spinners Ford and Dan Dredge combined superbly to deliver a tight spell of overs that pushed the visitors behind the rate before the pressure finally told. When Ford (3-35) enticed Peppard to chip to mid-wicket, a middle-order collapse of 6 wickets for 20 runs was triggered – with Dredge (2-29) also reaping deserved rewards.

With the light fading Wheeler (2-38) finally ended Barnard’s vigil for a dogged 58, and despite a frustrating last-wicket stand of 37 Collis brought the innings to a close in the final over as Ford took an excellent low catch at long-on to dismiss the visitors for 193. 

An excellent start for Frome who will look to build on their opening day success next weekend, with a tough trip to Minehead lying in wait.