Frome 2nd XI beat Cheddar 1st XI by 4 wickets. Cheddar 1st XI: 183 all out (42.5 overs). Frome 2nd XI: 184-6 (44.3 overs)
FROME 2nd XI came out on top in a nail-biter on Saturday, clinching an important victory with three balls to spare.
Cheddar batted first and despite an untidy start Cox (2-41) made early inroads, and when Wheeler trapped Sims LBW Cheddar were reeling at 35-3. However, an impressive 4th wicket stand of 73 between Harris and skipper Llewellyn gradually dragged the visitors back into the game.
The introduction of Ford (3-31) paid dividends as he removed Lelwellyn, triggering a cluster of wickets with Wheeler (3-19) returning strongly to see off the middle order and brought the innings to a close at 183.
In reply, Frome began cautiously as opening bowlers Clark and Jones hit a tight line and length. Pinchen departed trying to accelerate the innings however Potter and Jon Dredge fought hard to gradually get the Showmen back on top with a 2nd wicket partnership of 84. However, a double strike rocked the hosts as Dredge (34) and Potter (48) departed in quick succession. However some positive strokes from Smart kept Frome in touch.
Useful support from Brown and Wigzell took the game to the final over with 10 required, and amid high tension Smart (44*) showed tremendous nerve to thump a sumptuous boundary and towering six over mid-wicket to see Frome over the line and to a welcome 35 points. A superb finish to an excellent game and a great team performance sees Frome up to third in a very congested Somerset Division 2.
Frome 2s maintain momentum with North Newton win
Frome 2nd XI beat North Newton 1st XI by 49 runs. Frome 2nd XI: 251-7 (45 overs)
North Newton 1st XI: 202-8 (45 overs)
FROME 2nd XI made it back-to-back home wins with a solid victory over North Newton.
After setting a strong first innings total the Showmen squeezed the visitors impressively in the second half to take away 33 points and keep up with the early pace-setters.
Frome openers Pinchen and Potter shared an opening stand of 85 and Unwin (25) continued the hosts positive approach, combining well with Potter in a partnership of 53. Unwin and Veal both fell to the impressive Skuse (3-60), and when Smart departed the innings was in danger of stuttering at 159-4. However an excellent counter-attack from Jon Dredge (27) helped the hosts regain control in an attacking stand 74 for the 5th wicket with Potter (105), who finally opened up to reach excellent century. A strong finish from the lower order saw the innings eventually close on 251-7.
In reply Cox once again picked up an early wicket for Frome, and spinners Veal (2-27) and Ford (2-46) squeezed to great effect with the innings concluding on 202-8 – 49 runs adrift.
A good win for the Showmen who will need to be at their best next week for a tough away trip to Bridgwater on Saturday 12th June, 3rd XI (AWAY), 1:00pm start
