NORTON EDGED OUT BY FROME IN DERBY VICTORY
Paul Sanger hit a superb 85 on what was a difficult day for batsmen, whilst the Frome bowling attack were economical in restricting the visitors.
Frome skipper Mark Sanger won the toss on a beautiful day at Fromefield, and he duly elected to bat first.
The hosts then started off strong, with Paul Sanger and Dan Dredge finding the boundary with regularity.
However when Dredge was bowled for 23 with a change of bowler, Frome began to collapse. Sanger was the one constant throughout the innings, playing fluently for his 85, as the rest of the team struggled.
Only Joe Smart 11 scored double figures from the other eight batsmen, so Frome's total of 153 was much down to Sanger's score. Morgan Skipp took five wickets for the visitors to skittle through the Frome order, seemingly dismissing Frome for a below par score.
However, this wasn't to be the case, as Norton likewise struggled wielding the willow.
First, Matt Knight (2-19) removed both of Norton's dangerous openers- Martin Cox (14) and Nick Pang (11) to get the Showmen off to a good start in the field.
Sam Wheeler (1-21) then removed Norton's number three- Nick Cox leg before for just 1. From there though, the visitors took time to rebuild the innings. Alex Lear (39) and Toby Marsh (25) biding their time before drinks.
After though they went about chasing the target down in the lst 20 overs. After some classy shots, they were both removed. Dave Dredge with a deserved wicket after a superb spell of bowling (1-16) and Mathew Bracher with one of his three scalps.
Bracher turned the course of the match, claiming 3-24 was ensured that new batsmen kept coming to the crease in the latter stages- resultantly with too much to do. Bracher was calm in the last over, and with a six needed to gain a tie last ball- only a four was manageable.
As a result, Frome gained a confidence boosting three run victory- providing excellent practice in preparation for the season ahead. Undoubtedly a great match scenario to be faced with, and come out on top.
Frome 1st XI's season commences in a fortnights time (7th May), with one more friendly match to be played beforehand. That's next Saturday, as Frome host Timsbury at Fromefield.