David Dredge 3 in a row!

A brilliant century from David Dredge saw Frome take a big step towards the WEPL Somerset Division title as they completed a remarkable run chase to beat third-placed Uphill Castle at Fromefield.

The result – coupled with a fixtureless weekend for Staplegrove in second – has pushed Frome 36 points clear at the top with four games to go.

After early morning rain, Frome won the toss and elected to field and made a solid early start as Bliss was caught by Smith off Neal for five.

Belcher and Watson then formed a strong partnership, looking solid and picking off the bad ball, although the visiting batsmen never really got away from Frome.

At the halfway stage the score was 93-1, and Uphill continued to accumulate steadily. Although the run-rate was never out of hand, with nine wickets in hand the platform was set for a strong finish.

To Frome’s credit the bowlers and fielders stuck to their task in search of a wicket. With the score at 163-1 with ten overs remaining and both batsmen having reached 50, a sizeable score was a possibility.

And so it proved as a further 110 runs were scored before the innings came to a close. With a lightning quick outfield and a short boundary on one side, Uphill found the rope with ease. Watson passed an excellent century, finishing unbeaten on 119 to set Frome an imposing 274 to win.

The hosts made a good start through Paul Sanger and Dredge in their reply, taking the score to 34 before Sanger was bowled by Cox for 11.

Bleakley joined Dredge and together the pair produced one of the defining moments of the season. They continued the strong start as Uphill struggled and at the first drinks interval Frome were 108-1, with Dredge having passed 50.

There was still considerable work to do but Dredge pulled and drove imperiously, while Bleakley punished anything wayward and ran hard.

After 25 overs the score was 147-1, with Bleakley also reaching a half-century and Frome well ahead of the required rate.

By the 30th over the 200 was up and Dredge had reach another brilliant ton with a six.

After the 31st and 32nd overs each went for 17 runs the game was as good as over, although Dredge was finally caught for a magnificent 123 and Bleakley skewed a catch for an excellent 77.

It was left to Smith (15no) and Dan Dredge (9no) to see Frome over the line with a remarkable 12 overs remaining.

The match was sponsored by Tony and Pete.