The Falcons witnessed Castle Thunder beat Wembdon Renegades in the first match of their pool, so with one team to qualify for the semi-finals- a win against Thunder in their first fixture was a must.

That was exactly what they did though with a win on the main pitch. With all fixtures 10 overs aside, Arthur Harman claimed a standout 1-12 from his two overs versus Thunder. There was also a wicket apiece for Mark Watts and Dan Lock. The skipper, Watts had a run out too, as despite 30 retired from Tom Llewellyn- Thunder were restricted to 74-4.

In response, Joe Smart scored 14 with two fours and a six before being caught, but Sam Croker (29 not out) steadied the ship for Frome. Lock hit 30 retired for Frome, and although Paddy Hyams was run out for no score, Jake Barrow (2) was unbeaten and saw the Falcons to victory with Croker.

Next up, the Falcons rattled through the Wembdon Renegades line up on the second pitch. The opponents could only muster 63 from 10 overs on a small second pitch. It was a great effort from Frome as they took 7 wickets that thwarted the Renegades progress. Watts (2-4) and Harman (2-8) did the main damage, whilst a direct hit from the skipper attained a run out. The other wickets came from a Lock wicket held by Smart, and a run out from Hyams after good work from Harman. Dan Weston and Taylor Angell also kept the squeeze on with tight bowling.

In response, the Falcons lost Smart first ball when he was bowled. Barrow (7) also fell, but Lock (31 not out) and Croker (14 not out) ensured that a victory was confirmed, and guided the Falcons into the semi-finals.

Pool A's victors would play Frome, and Taunton Deane edged a tight encounter to knock out Bath Swords- meaning that a match against the reigning champions on the main pitch, was next up for the Falcons.

After winning the toss and sticking to the successful trend of the Falcons bowling first throughout the day, they was a real energy about the team in trying to upset the odds versus the strong outfit.

A wicket apiece for Watts and Aaron Woodruff saw Deane Diamonds 25-2 after three overs of powerplay. Harman yet again bowled superb, and deserved more than 1-13 from his two overs. Some big hitting damaged the Falcons though, Croker claimed 2-20, but H Thomas and B Coomber reached thirties before having to retire, and it made life difficult for Frome.

In response, Frome's first over was ideal. Smart launched the skippers spin into the crowd as the Falcons were 15-0 from one. An impressive spell rom T Walsh secured the match though. Figures of 2-3 from his two overs, with just three singles off his bowling- put Frome behind the rate. Smart and Croker both fell victim to him on 11 apiece, before the Falcons lost wickets and couldn't keep up the scoring rate against quality bowlers. B Thomas was stand out for the Diamonds, taking 4 wicket for 5 runs. Paddy Hyams scored a valiant unbeaten 22 including a stunning six over long-off, but it wasn't to be for the team with a 27 run defeat.

Nevertheless, it was a fantastic achievement to reach the semi-finals, and be amongst the top four U19 teams in the county. A huge thanks go to Payman who sponsored the Frome Falcons, and thanks to the many people travelling to Weston-super-Mare to support the team. The people involved in getting the event on in testing weather conditions deserve massive credit too, it was a fantastic event of which the Frome Falcons thoroughly enjoyed being part of it.

We'll be back next year!