Archived Match Report

First XI vs. Old Elizabethans - 23 Jun - Frome put on a show to win before the rain came down!

Report courtesy of Hereford Times: (Photo on homepage and gallery)

CANON Frome skipper Andy Lloyd was delighted after belatedly sampling the taste of victory for the first time this season.
And the Walsopthorne side have moved off the foot of the Worcestershire County League Division Five table after a comprehensive 116-run success against Old Elizabethans 3rd.
"The season started off on the low side and we had to drop down to having just one team," said Lloyd.
"Before Saturday, a winning draw was the best result that we had had but most players are available again now."
The day did not start too promisingly when the visitors won the toss and invited Frome to bat first on a damp pitch.
And with Jacob James and James Fortnam quickly dismissed, it would have been understandable if the jitters had set in.
However, opener Alec Backhouse was joined by experienced Andy Rogers and the pair set about retrieving the situation.
"Alec and Andy gave us a stable platform for our innings," said Lloyd.
"Alec has been in good form after getting 50 a couple of weeks ago and now a 40.
"Andy batted very positively and made good use of the ground, waiting patiently and then hitting the bad balls.
"He missed a lot of last season, when we were relegated, but this year he is around a lot more and it is good to have him back." Backhouse struck seven boundaries in his 43 and Rogers with four sixes and six fours compiled an impressive 71.
Paul Andrews and Nicko Evans contributed 13 apiece as the runs continued to flow and then skipper Lloyd and Mark Godsall gave the tally a late boost.
Lloyd struck a six and two fours in an unbeaten 20 while Godsall cleared the ropes twice and added another four as he moved to 22 not out.
Frome ending their 50 overs at a useful 206-8. "It was good to give the score a boost," he said.
"We had wickets in hand so it was a question of getting as many on the board as we could."
Opening bowler Lloyd must have questioned whether he team had a big enough score as OEs made a flying start.
"Their openers really came out with intent and they hit a six and a four off my first over," he said."
But a good catch by Fortnam off Lloyd's bowling dismissed skipper Graeme Norton (19) and Lloyd's opening partner Ben Child dismiss the other OEs opener Kelvin Beeching (12).
After that, although Pete Johnson (41) batted well in the middle-order, the visitors were not able to make much impression on their target.
"We picked up regular wickets and our wicket-keeper Adam Hope took a couple of good catches," said Lloyd.
"Our fielding was good and we applied good pressure."
Lloyd (4-24) and Childs (3-25) received good backing from Luke Cottrell (2-21) and Backhouse as the visitors were dismissed for just 90.
"Although we haven't really been playing that badly, it's all very well for people to be saying that we were too good to be at the foot of the table, we had to go out and win," said Lloyd.
"With the weather, lots of games have been called off and we were really glad to get the game on.
"Our covers saved the day for us.
"We have a good team spirit and a very young side with Andy Rogers, at just 30, the old man of the team.
"Now, with this win, we have something to build on."

 

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