ANOTHER GOOD WORKOUT FOR FROME DESPITE DEFEAT TO TIMSBURY

Timsbury started off brightly in the field, getting skipper Dan Dredge (5) out ealy on. From there on, wickets can in between good partnerships.

Next to go was Charlie Smith, who after playing some nice shots down the ground- was caught on the leg side for 13 wih the score on 26.

Opener Joe Quinn and Aaron Woodruff then doubled the hosts total, before the former was caught and bowled for 21.

Thirty more were added for the fourth wicket when Mark Watts came to the crease. Some nice shots were played, but after drinks both Watts (10) and Woodruff (35) were dismissed- leaving Frome 88-5.

This was followed by the wicket of James Unwin (6), before play was interrupted after 28 overs as a result of a downpour.

Frome then regrouped- Sam Wheeler and Craig Dredge added 75 runs for the seventh wicket to give the innings real impetus in the latter overs. They found the gaps in the field well, and each hit a six in what were two important innings.

When Craig Dredge was caught for 43 though, Frome lost wickets at the end of the innings. Wheeler was run out after confusion for 34- before Nick Larder and Mat Bracher were the last two wickets to fall.

This saw the Showmen post 178 from 39.3 of the 40 over allocation. There were two wickets apiece for Hoddinott, Hawkins and Strand.

In response, Timsbury lost early wickets as Frome made inroads into the visitors line-up. It came as a result of a brace of wickets for Smith (2-35), in tandom with testing bowling from Wheeler (0-34).

Then, a 54 partnership for the third wicket brought Timsbury back into the match.

This was stopped in its tracks however, when Watts bowled opener Sage for 37. This was followed by a wicket for Craig Dredge (1-31), pegging Timsbury back to 77-4.

And despite 24 runs being put on for the fifth wicket, Watts (2-31) made another key breakthrough when he bowled Strand for 36.

From there though, the match turned in the favour of the visitors. 72 runs between Cracknell and Clothier for the sixth wicket broke the back of the match- the former got off the mark with a six.

But, there was some late drama in the innings. Ethan Cox (2-22) claimed two wickets in two balls, bowling both the impressive Cracknell for 42, and Bishop for a golden.

This success couldn't change the course of the match though, as Clothier saw Timsbury across the line with three wickets in hand.

Next week, Frome 1st and 2nd XI's get their league campaigns underway. Saturday 7th May sees the first team host Butleigh at Fromefield, whilst the seconds travel to play Curry Rivel.