Frocester's first team finally clinch promotion (From Stroud News and Journal)

Frocester's first team finally clinch promotion

Hatherly v Frocester 1st XI

AT the third attempt Frocester clinched the Glos/Wilts Division One title, after losing out narrowly to Dumbleton and Winget in previous seasons.

This term the title was effectively taken with two matches remaining and, following a breathtaking one run victory over Hatherly on Saturday, Frocester have an unassailable lead at the top of the table.

Following an eight match unbeaten start to the season, Frocester were strong favourites for the title, and faltered only briefly in the run-in.

On Saturday, Chris Duval opened with Nick Trainor and, in particular, the young Australian made a flying start.

Now having adapted to batting in English conditions, the bowling disappeared to the boundary with monotonous regularity as Duval thumped 50 from only 42 deliveries.

The opening partnership was worth 140 when Duval was dismissed for a superb 89, made from only 84 balls.

Nick Trainor was bowled shortly, falling one run short of a half century.

Paul Whiffen smacked a destructive 33 and Dave Whincup, batting down the order, provided the fireworks at the end, with a stylish 49 not out, as Frocester raised an imposing total of 273 for 6.

However, Hatherleys Mark Bray was undaunted and led the run chase with a superb 142. Duval bowled accurately but all of the other Frocester bowlers suffered at the hands of the Combined Services opening bat.

A total of 120 runs were required from the final 15 overs, but this was whittled down to 12 from the final over, bowled by Trainor.

Karl Shepherd required three from the final delivery, but a brilliant throw by Joe Niblett produced a run out, with the Hatherly skipper first short of his ground.

Frocester took a total of 20 points in the process, securing their unattainable lead at the top of the table.

Nick Trainor, who has undoubtedly been the star this season with more than 1000 runs, said: "This season has been brilliant. The main aim of the club this season was to get promoted to the Premier League and we have achieved it but the last three matches have been very, very close.

"The lads have experienced some tough matches this season and this will benefit them for next year.

"We played two premier clubs, Cheltenham and Clifton Optimists and they were both close games. And this goes to prove that we can do it."