Stroud not impressed (From Stroud News and Journal)

Stroud not impressed

BAD light cost Stroud this game and the visitors were less than happy with the manner of the defeat.

After being offered the light and turning it down and getting to 203-5, and with conditions if anything improved, Frenchay were again offered the light and this time accepted to deny Stroud on a faster run rate.

Richard Gegg returned as captain and Stroud, losing the toss and being invited to bat, got off to a reasonably good start with 30-1 off 15 overs thanks to openers James Cook and Keith Daniels. The drizzly day made the pitch difficult to play on, but Stroud still scored at a reasonable rate against the Frenchay bowling.

Daniels was first to go, while Cook tried to play positive shots and keep the run rate ticking.

He was joined by Martyn Kimber, who made 60 runs with a class knock, especially in the conditions.

James was next to go with the score on 60, to be replaced by South Aftican Brett Williams to form the main partnership, with Brett going on to make 50. The Frenchay change bowlers lacked penetration and Brett and Martyn took full advantage. Brett was stumped for 53 and he was followed by Toby Carmen, who tried to push the rate on but holed out to mid-off for five.

Martyn was next to go, caught at square leg for 60 going for one big shot too many. Skipper Rich Gegg came to the crease and proceeded to make a quick-fire 23 off 12 balls, including two big sixes, over square leg and one straight back over the bowler, which gave Stroud a competitive total of 223-5.

Frenchays start was sensibly paced, with the opening attack of Gareth Haines and Brett Williams keeping them under control. Haines took the first wicket, having their opener caught by Keith Daniels at first slip, while at the other end the South African overseas player kept Frenchays score ticking over. Brett Williams bowled well, as did Haines.

Ollie Waters was introduced and he took two wickets at an important stage to keep the pressure on Frenchay. With the weather deteriorating, the umpires offered the Frenchay batsmen the light. They decided to stay on and their South African player went on to make a century.

However, when Frenchay had reached 203-5 they were again offered the light and this time they accepted and the game was won on a faster run rate.

Saturdays game, at home to Swindon, is now very much a must-win match for Stroud.