By Eric Woodmason

FROCESTER took another massive step towards Premier One survival with a comfortable six-wicket victory over Potterne, reaching the 245 run target with seven overs to spare.

Frocester are now 15 points clear of the relegation zone, but, with Corsham almost certainly relegated, only 22 points separate the seven clubs above and Bristol in third could be relegated if they lose their two remaining games.

Potterne are currently in the second relegation spot, but play Corsham this weekend, whist Downend, third from bottom, have the toughest run-in with Bath away and Clevedon at home.

Frocester entertain Lechlade on Saturday and finish the league campaign at Bedminster.

On Saturday, Potterne won the toss and batted on a flat wicket, making a solid start against Perera and Martin.

The opening partnership was worth 56 in 12 overs when Richie Cave entered the attack and immediately captured two wickets, both well-caught at slip by Tom Wand.

The Frocester attack had been strengthened by the appearance of Chris Liddle in Frocester colours and when he entered the attack he had Cullen caught behind for 38.

Ed Young held the Potterne innings together, but Nick Trainor’s men produced an excellent bowling and fielding performance to maintain the pressure. Tom Drake and Ross Martin each picked up a wicket in the middle overs, restricting Potterne to 194-5 from 42 overs and the Liddle grabbed three wickets in one over to reduce the hole team to 194-8.

However, Young found a stubborn partner in Jackson and they added a further 51 runs as the home team reached a final total of 244-8.

A whirlwind opening partnership of 135 in only 16 overs between Ross Martin and Uzi Qureshi took the game away from Potterne.

Qureshi was the first to go, dismissed by Ed Young, who was the only bowler to trouble the Frocester batters.

Martin smashed four sixes and 11 fours in an innings of 82 from only 45 deliveries, before falling to Young with the total on 144-2 from 24 overs.

Louis Gegg batted solidly or 28, but Tom Wand stroked Frocester to victory with an excellent innings of 49 not out, which included seven fours and a six.

Just to emphasise Frocester’s superiority, fittingly captain Trainor hit a six to win the match.