95 runs from Tom Pople led the visitors, Bridgwater, to a four wicket win against Frome 1st XI.
With the prospect of a rain intervention during the day, perhaps that was an influence in the visiting skipper opting to field first at the toss.
The new opening partnership of Sam Croker along with the in-form Paul Sanger mustered 35 runs, before it was curtailed when Sanger was caught and bowled by Ian Higgins for 17. Higgins then removed David Dredge LBW later that over without further score, before Mark Dredge (10) was also trapped in front- this time by Kyran Devitt.
And when Dan Dredge (4) lofted a catch into the off-side off Ed Habberfields’ (1-43) bowling, the hosts were in an unfavourable position at 59-4.
Two young players showed attrition to bring Frome back into the contest though. The patient Croker along with Joe Smart added 72 for the fifth wicket to take the score onto 131- Croker hauling out to long-on.
Croker’s innings accumulated 46 runs off 121 deliveries, and was Higgins (3-26) third victim of the match. 17 runs later, Smart’s (36 off 62- including 3 sixes) innings came to an end when he was stumped by Tom Pople off Andrew Skidmore (1-52).
Rain then intervened in the latter stages of the innings and, after an early tea was taken, Frome had 17 balls remaining in a now 48 over game.
Neil Dredge tried to add some late runs, but he was caught at deep third-man for 14 off Scott Clapp (1-25). Mark Watts and Matt Knight (3 not out) took the score up to 181 before the former was the eighth wicket- bowled last ball for 18.
In response, Frome were given reason for hope as a result of a superb spell of bowling from Neil Dredge (3-24). The seamer ripped through the top order, with a yorker to bowl Scott Sealey for a duck along with a brace of caught behinds thanks to Dan Dredge.
Dan, along with Knight were testing early on, but Tom Pople was going strong. The opener was let off twice though. First Knight shelled him at deep-square of Neil Dredge, before Neil himself put Pople down in a similar position off Clive Hamblin’s spin.
The wicket-keeper batsmen did the majority of the scoring, but there were useful contributions from Skidmore (19), Habberfield (17) and Devitt (16 not out) in enabling Bridgwater to get across the winning line.
There was a wicket apiece for skipper Mark Watts (1-28), David Dredge (1-21) and captain Mark Sanger (1-47) who finally dismissed Pople for 95 (off 117 balls with 11 fours and a six), winning a leg before appeal.
This ensured that Frome would collect three bowling points, which along with three batting points meant that six points were taken. Bridgwater 2nd’s attained 19 points from their victory.
Thanks to Mark Baber for sponsoring this match.
Next Saturday, Frome 1st XI travel to face Chard. There’s action at Fromefield as well with Frome 2nd XI playing an important match against Kilve.
