Frocester back with a bang (From Stroud News and Journal)

Frocester back with a bang

FROCESTER opener Simon Reed hit a superb century to help his side to a convincing victory against bottom-of-the-league Hereford.

Reed contributed 106 runs to Frocesters total of 243-6 and they then bowled out Hereford for 83 the winning margin being a colossal 160 runs.

The result could have been very different because in the first over Reed was dropped off the bowling of Barbadian quick bowler Chester Walcott.

After this early scare Frocesters other opener Chris Smith was dismissed and Reed was joined at the crease by Derek Tate. Reed and Tate batted excellently to record a partnership of 94 and this put the Pounds Close side in charge. Tate worked the ball into the gaps of the field and was eventually out when he was caught on the boundary for 41.

Reed carried on and accelerated to his century. He was given excellent support by Richard Evans, who made 31 runs out of a 62 run partnership. The opener fell for 106 and the mantle was taken up by Tony Clarkson. He stroked a useful 21 and Frocester finished with an imposing total of 243-6.

The home side came out to bat hoping to catch Frocesters total but were up against the bowling of Chris Pritchard and Chris Partridge. Both bowlers worked well together and Hereford were kept firmly in check.

Pritchard bowled with the wind behind him and Partridge was chosen to bowl into it, an inspired choice by captain Reed who was standing in for usual skipper Dave Whincup.

The wickets started to tumble early and at one point Hereford were struggling on 27-3. They started to look like a bottom-of-the-table side and were eventually skittled out for 83 in the 28th over The stars of the Frocester bowling attack were Pritchard (5-39) and Partridge (5-46).

Frocesters Eric Woodmason was pleased that the team got back to winning ways and spoke well of Simon Reeds performance: That was the best that Simon has batted all season. Obviously he had a bit of luck in the first over but he made the most of it. Hopefully it will be the bit of luck we needed.

The 1st XI at Frocester are trying to emulate their 2nd team who are sitting pretty at the top of the Glos/Wilts Division 2nd XI league with a 100 percent record. Frocester firsts are currently lie second in the league behind Dumbleton, who have one game in hand.

Woodmason said: They (Dumbleton) need to lose a game and we have got to win. But they have got a tough run-in and they could lose any game.

Frocester have got an away match at Hatherley & Reddings this weekend and Woodmason is looking forward to the match: Hopefully we can finish the season in style.

n The County Cup semi-final against Cheltenham was rained off on Sunday. The match is now due to be played this Sunday at Pounds Close.

We are quite hopeful of winning against Cheltenham. They are top of the Premier but we have good chance of winning, added Woodmason.