Bristol 1st XI win by 65 runs Bristol 1st XI 262-8 (45 overs) Frome 1st XI 197-6 all out (45 overs)
FROME fell to a 65-run defeat against unbeaten Bristol, but they showed great fight and attitude against a difficult opposition on the hottest day of the year.
Bristol won the toss and decided to bat first and were put under early pressure when Croker bowled Trenouth, much to the delight of the Frome support. Frome continued to bowl well in the early stages, leaving Bristol on the ropes at 67-4, with Harman and Croker picking up the wickets.
Thompson was the man who took the attack to the Frome bowlers, continuing to hit over the short 35-yard boundary. Thompson and Ellisons 5th wicket partnership of 73 gained Bristol control of the game and left Frome with an uphill battle. Thompson continued to find the boundary throughout his innings, finishing on 106, setting Frome 263 to win.
In reply, Frome started well with openers Paul Sanger and Reece Croker playing positively as they looked to chase down Bristols total, however Croker was caught for a quick fire 20, leaving Frome with a tough ask.
Sanger and Sam Croker built Frome a platform, before Sanger was stumped leaving Frome 86-2. Frome knew they were going to struggle to chase down the Bristol total and looked to gain valuable batting bonus points. Jon Dredge and Joe Smart put together a brilliant 52 partnership for the 6th wicket with Smart finishing on an excellent 35 not out as Frome gained a respectable 7 bonus points throughout the day.
Next week Frome travel to bottom of the table Bath, looking to bounce back and finish the season strongly with six weeks remaining.
• Next fixture: Saturday 24th July, Bath 2nd XI (Away), 12.30pm start.
