A Fitting Tribute

Frome CC won by 6 Wickets.

On an emotional day at Fromefield, following the sad loss of Mark Dredge earlier in the week Frome faced Midsomer Norton in the 2017 season opener.

Prior to the game commencing both sides lined either side of the pitch and were joined by the family and friends of Mark Dredge who sadly passed away earlier this week, Father of Mark and Frome CC president Colin Dredge a few words in memory of Mark which was then followed by a minutes silence.

The game commenced at 1pm after Frome captain Mark Sanger won the toss and elected to bowl. New Frome recruits for 2017 Tom Barton and Reece Croker made early inroads restricting Norton to 58-4. Norton's batsmen continued to attack with Clifton looking dangerous, hitting 5 fours and 2 sixes before being bowled by Watts for 38. The bowling changes continued for Frome as they tied Norton down to 137-7 but a fantastic 8th wicket partnership between N Cox and Potter pushed the score up before the final wicket fell with the score on 200. N Cox ended with 60 Not out and Potter with 27.

Stand out bowler for Frome was Tom Barton who finished with 5-24 and a run out, other wicket takers were R Croker with 2-23, M Watts with 2-26.

In reply Frome got off to a good start with Lett and S Croker running excellently between the wickets before the latter fell LBW to Pang for 25. This created an opportunity as further wickets fell reducing Frome to 116-3. This however brought Dan Dredge to the crease and with a combination of excellent running and powerful hitting took Frome to within 3 runs of victory before Dredge was bowled for 51 shortly after Lett had completed an excellent century. Their 75 run partnership turning the game for Frome. The game was completed the next ball when new batsman J Smart dispatched his first ball for six to complete a six wicket victory with Lett finishing on 101 not out on his 1st XI debut.

Frome Cricket Club express their thanks to Midsomer Norton CC for switching the fixture to Frome and the part they played in the day.

Next week, Saturday 29th April sees two games as the 1st XI travel To Wembdon for their last friendly before the league season starts while the 2nd XI entertain Timsbury at Fromefield.

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