Frome 2nd XI drew with Middlezoy 1st XI. Middlezoy: 175-6 (38 overs) Frome 2nd XI : DNB
FROME 2nd XI had to settle for a share of the spoils on Saturday as heavy rain ended their encounter with Middlezoy early.
With the match evenly poised, persistent rain eventually gave way to a heavy downpour which left the Showmen with 18 points for their efforts.
With rain anticipated at some point during the day, Frome won the toss and had no hesitation in choosing to bowl first. Despite an injury to Asim resulting in a reshuffle of the new ball pair, Frome began with great discipline from Cox and Wheeler to put pressure on the Middlezoy openers. However, a further injury to Veal caused further disruption to the bowling plans and the home side began to take advantage, with Barnard and Peppard putting on 75 for the first wicket.
The introduction of the returning Ford paid dividends as the left arm spinner immediately removed Peppard (37) however Barnard continued to accumulate with the Buckler to move Middlezoy to a position of strength – their second wicket stand of 65 putting the home side well in the ascendancy at 140-1.
Cox (2-37) returned to give Frome a real lift with a double strike, seeing off Barnard for a well-made 55. A direct hit from Wheeler and further wickets for Ford (3-36) contributed to a middle-order collapse of 5 wickets for 22 runs, dragging the Showmen back into the contest. However, at 175-6 the rain began, with thunder, lightning and a further heavy downpour eventually ending proceedings.
A frustrating day for Frome, however with similar weather experienced across the league they remain well-placed in 4th with the promotion contenders. An important game against 3rd-placed Minehead at Fromefield awaits next week.
• Next fixture:
Saturday 10th July, Minehead 2nd XI (HOME), 1:00pm start