Frome 3rd Xi made the relatively short trip over the Mendips to East Harptree, looking to get back to winning ways following two defeats.
Arriving at Harptree in the rain it was pleasing to see the pitch covered and play could start on time. Skipper Larder won the toss and for the first time this season, elected to bat with a wet outfield. This proved to be a good decision as opener Andy Lamb got off to a blistering start, with Larder playing the supporting role. Lamb raced to 50 and the opening partnership got to 86 before Larder fell LBW to Hogarth for 17. 3 quick wickets then fell including Lamb for an excellent 72. Further contribution from Cantrell, 37 and Ford with 24 enabled to Frome to post 203 from their 40 overs.
In reply, Harptree’s innings mirrored Frome, with openers Harding and Arrowsmith finding the boundary regularly on a now dry outfield before Cox removed both openers with excellent deliveries. This slowed the progress with the rest of the Frome bowling attack not allowing Harptree to score freely, although with somewhat wayward bowling at times. With 7 wickets down and 70 still needed, Frome sensed a comfortable victory, but resistance from the Harptree lower order frustrated Frome before Baldwin picked up the wicket of Undy for 27. Some tight bowling from Cox, Brown and Baldwin saw Frome home by 8 runs, with Harptree finishing on 195-9.
This Saturday sees Frome 3rd XI host Purnell 2nd XI at Mells, 1.30pm.
Report; Nick Larder