Bell's side go close to shocking Frocester (From Stroud News and Journal)

Bell's side go close to shocking Frocester

Premier Two Stroud 149-9 Frocester 151-6

ADAM ROBSON'S unbeaten 44 guided Frocester to a four-wicket victory over plucky Stroud on Saturday.

Ali Bell's Stroud made Frocester fight all the way, and an upset was on the cards, but in the end Frocester's strength in depth held sway.

Bell won the toss and thought hard before deciding to bat. His doubts appeared well-founded as Keith Daniels was caught in the gully by Iain Collins from the bowling of Ali Bressington.

Ben Gannon was bowling with pace and accuracy and was unlucky not to capture an early wicket.

Eric Woodmason replaced Bressington and quickly trapped Mark Bryan leg before.

However, James Pockett and James Price defended stoutly as Trainor rotated Gannon (1-24) and Bressington (3-31) with the strong easterly breeze behind them.

Jamie Rendall (2-54) bowled accurately into the wind. However, James Pockett (37) and Marcus Bond (32) added 63 for the fourth wicket before Pockett was caught on the boundary by Woodmason off the bowling of Rendall, with the total at 124.

Stroud innings closed on 149-9.This did not appear to be a testing target on what was to be a very good batting wicket.

Initially this was the case, with Trainor (27) in particularly fluent form. Gareth Haines then hit the Frocester skipper's off stump with a good delivery that held its line.

Bressington played some superb shots through the leg side and with the total on 60-1 Frocester appeared to be cruising to victory.

However, Paul Frape entered the attack and Bressington (22) was adjudged caught behind in his first over.

Then the same bowler induced an edge from Collins (14). With Adam Robson and Ashley Davis at the crease, the flow of runs dried up as Gareth Haines bowled through his 15 over spell and Frape (3-26) continued to bowl accurately with his late in-swing.

The Stroud fielding effort intensified as the home team began to scent the chance of an upset.

Davis attempted to take two to Daniels and was run out. Mike Lewis then fell to an amazing catch at slip by Bell from the bowling of Toby Carman who had replaced Haines.

Steve Pope fell to an excellent yorker from Frape and Frocester were struggling at 98-6.

However, last week's batting hero, Gannon, came to the crease and immediately settled Frocester's nerves with two superb cover drives.

Gannon's support galvanised Robson into playing some shots and the Frocester crisis was quickly over. Robson finished undefeated on 44 and Gannon 24 not out as Frocester sauntered to victory in the 40th over.

Frocester must play closer to their potential next week at home to Thornbury, who include current Gloucestershire star Martin Ball.