Archived Match Report

First XI vs. Redditch - 24 Aug - When were Frome last in the pub at 4.30 on a Saturday after a win?

Normal match report service has been resumed. Apologies for the break in transmission.

Frome were well aware the target for the day was to secure the 9 points required to ensure they would top the division 6 title this season.

Skipper Lloydy gave his players a slight scare taking the team convoy to the wrong ground.. New post code dialled in and the boys made it to the correct venue in time to win the toss and given the look of the wicket , the outfield, the overcast conditions and that 9 point target, chose to bowl.

Whilst the pitch was providing some entertaining variation in bounce or lack of , opening bowlers Nicko and Lloydy were once again reliable and consistent. Redditch openers were removed in quick order and the procession continued at regular intervals.
First change bowlers Ben C and Luke were on the mark, and aggressive field settings on a small pitch saw wickets tumble and very few runs off the bat.. Congratulations to Ben for his 5 wicket haul . Also taking an excellent catch right on the imaginary boundary line off Luke who was tempting the Redditch to play a shot or two ; resistance was futile. Other good catches from James G, managing a top edge with style. Luke at a very short leg, and James Hughes running to a fly slip position. An easy one for keeper Simon C, and Lloydy also clung on tight to one after an earlier and very un characteristic wobble to a skyer.

So after only 22 overs and set just 70 to win there was no time for drinks let alone tea. Straight back out, Openers Alec and Mark halved the target although both did succumb to the variable bounce. Nicko frankly drove at one so early it might have been delivered the previous over, and Frome were 3 down. Hopey launched a couple into the hedge and despite getting caught in cow, the day was all but done. Ben and Lloydy wrapping things up by 3.30pm and following a quick tea and a subdued celebration on taking the title the victors headed to a pub on route for home. Back in the Shire by 6.30 and time to cut the lawn. Everyone was happy.

So one more game to go. Back at the Frome. Lets hope for a proper contest or there will be a demand to reverse the batting order and possibly bowling too.