Dramatic first win for Farmhill outfit (From Stroud News and Journal)

Dramatic first win for Farmhill outfit

West of England Premier Two Stroud CC 1st XI v Frenchay Stroud 1sts recorded their first league win on Saturday in dramatic fashion against Frenchay at Farmhill.

Having lost the toss Stroud faced the unenviable task of posting a total on a damp wicket, and this was made harder when both Terrington and the in-form Pockett were removed with the total on 10.

Progress was made when skipper Daniels (29) was joined by vice-skipper Collins (28) and repaired the damage with a partnership of 56.

When Collins departed caught and bowled to Luff, Daniels received further support from Williams who hit 15 important runs.

Daniels was dismissed and Stroud were well placed at 86 for 4 to push on and set an intimidating total under trying circumstances.

Unfortunately Frenchay's Luff took full advantage of the conditions and with the ball still holding up and darting off the seam Stroud's lower order fell away to 114 all out with Luff finishing with 7 for 34.

Though not the intimidating target that Stroud had hoped for, 114 runs was still a defendable total, and Stroud got off to the best of starts when Williams bowled T Helma and Haines had D Aphne well held by O'Brien to leave Frenchay reeling at 0-2.

As with the Stroud innings, Frenchay set about rebuilding with a stand of 46 from A Benn and W Jerry. Haines removed them both thanks to a catch by Williams and a great catch at short leg by Pockett.

With the departure of Benn and Jerry and Haines and Williams having bowled 10 overs each skipper Daniels introduced Skinner and Collins.

Skinner was immediately successful having Halifax well caught by Kimber, but Luff and Thomas with some aggressive batting started to take the initiative from Stroud and Frenchay reached 90 for 6 and were in sight of victory.

The total raced on to 101 for 6 but the re-introduction of Haines and Williams proved to be the turning point for Stroud.

Williams removed Luff to leave Frenchay requiring 12 runs for Victory with three wickets in hand.

Haines then produced the ball of the day to dismiss Thomas in his next over with no addition to the score.

Williams' next over saw Head mis-hook to keeper O'Brien which brought Pratt to the wicket with 12 runs still required.

Pratt had been very vocal all afternoon but unfortunately for Frenchay his ability did not match his enthusiasm as Williams removed him with his second ball to give Stroud a well earned victory by 12 runs.

Ernie Haines finished with 4-31 and Bert Williams 5-30 with the last 4 wickets being removed in 18 balls for one run.

Luff for Frenchay was possibly the most unlucky player as having scored 30 runs and taken seven wickets and still finished on the losing side.

Stroud would like to thank the Farmhill Faithfull, with a special mention to Chris Defelice, for their support.