Frome First XI lost their Bristol-Somerset derby with neighbours Midsomer Norton by six wickets at Fromefield on Saturday. Missed opportunities to post a total in excess of 230 and dropped chances cost Frome as for the second week running they were in with a shout for the majority of the game.

After losing the toss and being asked to bat first, the openers negated some early movement to reach 34 before Paul Sanger was dismissed for 16. Frome lost David Dredge (37) and Bleakley (32) either side of drinks but were still well set at 120-3. But runs became difficult to acquire against some tight Norton bowling, and despite contributions from Smith (19), Gullock (19) and 33 from Dan Dredge Frome finished on 197 all out off the final ball of their allotted 50 overs.

With conditions having dried out the home side knew they would have to work hard to defend their target but knew they were in with a chance. A strong start from Neal ended with the deserved wicket of Lear for 8, after having him dropped twice. But Norton found runs easier to come by and were 52-1 from their first 10 overs. Neal picked up a second wicket having Potter (19) caught behind however Cox and Mosena built a strong partnership.

Neal finished an excellent spell with 2-17 from 10 overs, and although Frome kept the run rate in check wickets were needed. Mark Sanger made the breakthrough when Mosena played on for 18, and drinks were taken at 104-3.

There then followed the crucial partnership of the game as the hitting of Clifton to the short boundary supported by Cox took Norton past 150. Frome continued to push for the breakthrough and would have been right back in the game but for two further chances going down. David Dredge eventually picked up the wicket of Clifton (47), however Norton chased down their target with five overs remaining, Cox finishing unbeaten on 72.

Next weekend Frome travel to Bishopston hoping for a change of fortune.

Match details

Match date

Sat 09 May 2015

Kickoff

13:00

Team overview