Frome (267-6) beat Wembdon (195 all out) by 72 runs – WEPL Somerset, Saturday 30th July

Frome bounced back from the previous week’s disappointment and picked up a vital victory in their fight for survival with an impressive 72 run victory against Wembdon. 

Having won the toss and deciding to bat, Frome were looking to make amends after last week’s poor batting display and the innings started perfectly. Openers Paul Sanger and Rich Potter batted with minimal trouble and got Frome to 98 without loss at the halfway stage, setting a perfect platform.

The partnership of 112 was eventually ended when Potter (40) was caught behind off the bowling of Bingham, and Sanger soon followed him back for 62 but both made crucial contributions.

The hosts continued to put pressure on the Wembdon bowling attack, regularly hitting boundaries. David Dredge (47) and Charlie Smith (18) helped continue the momentum Frome’s way with a 60 partnership, however two quick wickets left the home side 198-6 and the innings back in the balance.

A fantastic 69 partnership between Dan Dredge (37 not out) and Sam Wheeler (26 not out) meant Frome finished the innings on a high playing some intelligent cricket at the death.

In reply Wembdon got off to a good start, getting to 54 for the loss of just one wicket before a massive turning point in the match when Sam Wheeler (4-31) picked up two wickets in three balls, including the dangerous Marrs.

Mark Watts (3-35) backed Wheeler up from the other end and together turned the game completely Frome’s way, reducing the visitors to 81-7.

When the game looked all but over, Captain Brockwell had other ideas when he launched an almighty attack on the home side’s bowling attack, launching six after six. Brockwell managed to get the score to 174 before Neil Dredge bowled Bennett for 1, leaving Frome needing 1 wicket for victory.

Brockwell continued to hit boundaries, however his clean ball striking ran out when he miscued Dave Dredge and was well caught by Neil Dredge for an excellent 88, which included 7 fours and 6 sixes.

The showmen bounced back from their previous performance and have given themselves a bit of breathing space, but still have a lot of work to do in the final five weeks of the season.