WEPL Premier One
Lechlade 271 all out
Frocester 385-6

AFTER two successive heavy defeats batting second, Lechlade were hoping to win the toss at home to Frocester but it was not to be and the visitors took full advantage in batting first with both Nick Trainor and Ross Martin making tons, the latter a powerful 176.

Liam Smith and Freddie Martin both managed a wicket in their opening spell but Martin was pushing the score along at more than five an over.

When Tom Barnes joined the attack and had Wand caught behind by Brad Dial, Frocester were 79-3. Had Chris Harwood taken a chance in the gully off Martin the game might have been different but skipper Trainor came to the crease and the two added 193 for the fourth wicket.

Martin took full advantage of some mediocre bowling from Lechlade and only Barnes emerged with respectable figures (10-1-54-1).

Martin was finally bowled after a powerful innings by Liam Smith. When he departed Trainor (103), who had played a supporting role, took control and with the able support of Fin Dixon (43*) further punished the Lechlade attack to post a formidable score of 385-6.

If Lechlade had any thoughts of an unlikely victory they were soon gone when Joe Breet, Freddie Martin and Benny Ellis were back in the pavilion with only 27 on the board.

Skipper Martin tried to support Dial but could not lay a bat on the impressive Sri Lankan Vimukthri Perera (2-23) and when he did, edged him to the keeper.

Tom Young (12) hung around while Dial established himself but when he was caught behind, Harwood went next ball and Jamieson-Black followed shortly after, leaving Lechlade on 105-7 and struggling to reach drinks.

Finally Dial found a partner in Smith (32) and together they put on 69 for the seventh wicket. Dial managed to bring up a flawless century as the ninth wicket fell with score on 191.

Barnes gave Dial (149*) good support for the final wicket as the South African unleashed a string of sixes. Barnes joined in with one of his own but, after a partnership of 80 in 44 balls and with score on 271, there was a mix-up and Barnes (24) was run out to give Frocester an inevitable victory by 114 runs.

After a generally miserable performance – Dial apart – at least Lechlade walked away with eight bonus points.