Frocester get a wake-up call (From Stroud News and Journal)

Frocester get a wake-up call

This was a wake-up weekend at Frocester, with all three teams losing, the first and second teams given a fearful hammering by top Bristol outfit, Knowle.

Only the third X1 put up any real resistance, losing by two wickets in the final over against Gloucester Civil Service. The fourth team had a week off, with a gap in the Stroud League fixture list.

At Knowle, the first team took first use of a green, slow wicket and immediately found scoring runs very difficult. Frocester are quickly finding out that, at this level, the opposition bowl a tight line, with defensive fields and have a specific gameplan, and also most teams will have a top class overseas player.

Trainor and Whincup added 24 for the first wicket, but, once Whincup fell for 10, the remainder of the Frocester batting was a procession. Both Mark McShane and Ian Smith battled bravely for 14 each and Ashley Davis top-scored with 27 from 64 deliveries, but Frocester were dismissed for 113 in 42.4 overs.

The less said about the Knowle innings the better. The openers were not prepared to be dominated and set about all the Frocester bowlers with some relish.

Not a wicket was taken as Knowle raced to victory in the 17th over, Hewett unbeaten on 77 and Levitt on 26.

The second team faired little better with Knowle winning by 102 runs. Given first use of a good batting track, the Knowle openers were very severe of any wayward deliveries and raised an opening partnership of 124 before McDonald was dismissed for 86, bowled by Nick Wilkins, who also dismissed Millard for 50.

The remainder of the Knowle batsmen batted fluently, pressing on to the formidable total of 245 for 5. Frocester were soon in trouble at 21-4 and it was left to John Evans (18) and Adam Robson (34) to lift the Frocester total to respectability. Sean Little, batting at nine, top scored with a cleverly constructed 33 not out as Frocester were bowled out for 143.

Frocester third X1 entertained Gloucester Civil Service at The St Peters Field and lost by two wickets in the final over.

Batting first frocester reached a total of 172-7, largely due to a seventh wicket partnership of 56 between Reg Spyvee (29) and Rich Tuck (26).

Eric Woodmason and Paul Whiffen again bowled with little luck as the visitors were able to set a firm base for the run chase.

Reg Spyvee (4-36) and Rich Tuck (4-46) gave Frocester a chance of victory, but it was not a weekend to remember for the Frocester club.