Dredge's star as Frome win friendly

Frome Sunday Development XI kicked off the campaign with a friendly victory- of which was valuable for players to get some time in the middle and overs under their belts respectively.

Frome, batting first started off well as Mark Dredge and Aaron Woodruff put on a 116 opening stand. Some poor fielding from the visitors at times gave the hosts the initiative. Just before drinks though, Frome lost their first wicket- Woodruff for 41 (70 balls, 3 fours).

Just after the stoppage, Dredge was then removed with the score still on 116. He was caught for a well constructed 66, of which included 9 fours and 2 sixes- and coming off just 50 deliveries.

Frome then began to lose wickets. Paul Sanger (3) was the next man out, before Joe Smart was bowled for 21 (4 fours). This was followed by the wickets of Dan Dredge (16), Mark Watts (0) and Neil Dredge (6) - leaving Frome 180-7.

The Showmen then managed to get up to 253 though. First, Sam Wheeler (22 off 30) and Mark Sanger (11 off 15) steadied the ship somewhat, before the last wicket stand put on 48. Ethan Cox (2) and Robin Lett (43) were not out at the conclusion of the 40th over.

Lett smashed 4 fours and 4 sixes in a knock that came off a mere 12 balls. 253-9 was a solid total for the first bat of the season.

In reply, Combe Down's run chase never really gathered momentum. To start with, Watts (1-12) bowled Marlow for 10 and Wheeler had Elliman (4) caught by Lett at slip- both of the visitors openers were removed. And after Wheeler (2-17) claimed his second scalp with a caught and bowled- Combe Down were 19-3.

Neil Dredge then came into the attack and ripped through the middle order with a good spell of bowling. He claimed figures of 4-23 off his eight overs- two of which were well caught by wicketkeeper Smart.

Combe Down battled to last the 40 overs though, however Frome did get the visitors all out in the 37th over. The final three wickets started with a run out from Wheeler out on the boundary. Then, Woodruff (1-13) picked up a caught and bowled, before Paul Sanger (1-1) wrapped up the match when he claimed the last wicket- caught behind by Smart.

As a result, Frome gained victory by 168 runs. The Sunday Development XI's opening league fixture is at Bristol next Sunday, whilst the 1st and 2nd teams are due to play friendlies against Midsomer Norton next Saturday.