Archived Match Report

First XI vs. Highley - 17 May - Great day, great company, great hospitality

The Frome maintained their 100% winning start to the season after the long trip to Highley, with the game played on the hottest day of the year so far.
Skipper Lloydy won the toss again and decided to bat on what looked like a decent track. Openers Mark Godsall and Simon Cottrell still showed signs of early season rustiness, with both dropped in the first few overs. Highley’s catching (or lack of) was probably the crucial factor, with many chances going begging as the Frome innings progressed. Simon and Fortz soon departed, but with Andy Rogers making rapid progress, the innings was ticking along nicely at 5 per over and only 2 wickets down. However a clatter of wickets ensued; Godsall senior departing for a scratchy 35, Nicko lasted only 2 balls and then Adam Hope was caught behind. Word may have got to the middle that the attractions of watching the tennis match being played on the court by the pavilion outweighed batting on a sweltering day. (I won’t comment further due the risk of a Richard Scudamore moment). James Trotty-Tredders-Hughes joined Lloydy to steady the ship (again!), taking a bleak looking 100 for 6 to a more respectable 185 for 7, helped by some lusty blows and some helpful wides. Lloydy then couldn’t help himself patting the widest ball of the day to mid-off, but the home umpire had already signalled a wide! Lloydy, being the upright and honest sort, decided that a quiet departure was in the spirit of the game. In strolled ex captain Badge, who smote his first ball of the season to the square leg boundary and he went on to a rapid 12 not out, taking Frome to a modest 210 for 7. You could almost see him writing his own headlines as he came off at the end of the 45 overs; “You’ve been Badgered” or “Badger culls Highley bowling”.
Highley set off in pursuit, reaching 75 for 1 off 15 overs by first drinks, the only breakthrough achieved by Andy Rogers (1 for 26), a fast full toss disposing of the young Highley opener. Highley were aided and abetted by some slack cricket by the Frome, with a diet of wides, no balls and full tosses contributing to the home team being in front of the run rate. Leadership from the captain was what was required, and that is what we got in spades, with a good b******ing administered to all concerned and some inspired bowling changes. Luke C (4 for 31) dangled some tempting morsels, with the home team unable to resist the temptation, resulting in 2 comfortable catches for M Godsall and Nicko, and two clean bowled. Resistance is useless. James Hughes (2 for 35) and Lloydy (3 for 25) also hit the stumps with full and swinging deliveries, with James claiming the ninth wicket with the aid of Will Godsall taking a difficult catch high above his head at backward point. The look of amazement on his face that he had caught it was matched by his celebration as he launched the ball back over his head towards the third man boundary. Will G then rounded off the day by taking the last wicket with only his second ball, leaving the Frome winners by 68 runs.
Thanks to Highley for a good, competitive game of cricket, and the excellent beer, food and hospitality at The Ship Inn after the match.