Reece Croker and Charlie Smith both took 3 wickets and the pair put on an unbeaten 88 partnership for the 7th wicket to guide Frome to victory after being given a scare.
On a pitch that looked to offer some assistance for the bowlers early on, Frome decided to bowl and take early wickets to put pressure on the away side and that’s exactly what they did.
Reece Croker removed both Gourley and Sims to reduce Cheddar to 15-2. This brought Veale to the crease who had a rebuilding job to do, to be able to post a defendable total.
The hosts however continued to take wickets early on. Lett and Smith both picked up their first wickets of the season as Cheddar looked to be in real trouble when they were only on 60 for the loss of six wickets.
The danger man Veale was still at the crease though and an 8th wicket partnership of 64 with F.Mehlig (27) which saw Veale pass his half century.
A great fight back from the away side with some very average fielding from the hosts meant they finished on 170-8 off their 45 overs, Veale ending 75 not out. Croker and Smith were the pick of the bowlers with 3 wickets each.
In reply, Frome got off to a steady start, taking the total to 31 before Paul Sanger was given out L.B.W for 9. Shortly after, Lett was caught behind for 29, both off the bowling of Willis with Frome having a rebuilding job of themselves to do.
Sam Croker and Rich Potter batted well together and looked solid as a pair to bet Frome back on track. However the game then started to take a massive turn in favour of the away team.
Having got to 73 for the loss of two wickets, Frome then lost three further wickets without scoring. When Smart was given out caught behind off the bowling of Stevens whose 3 wickets changed the game, Frome were struggling at 83-6.
This brought Reece Croker and Smith together who had already starred with the ball. They continued to play positively to try and turn the pressure back onto the Cheddar bowlers.
The game was still in the balance until Croker smashed three huge sixes to turn the game Frome’s way.
The pair batted through to the end, putting on an 88 run partnership for the 7th wicket. Croker finished on an unbeaten 60 with Smith 29 not out as Frome completed a superb fight back where they were given a real scare against a decent Cheddar side.
Next, Frome travel to Butleigh as they look to continue their perfect start to the season and make it three wins from three.
Mark Sanger