LOUIS Gegg smashed a brilliant 76 not out off 57 deliveries to lift Frocester to an exciting six-run victory over Downend at Pounds Close on Saturday, writes Eric Woodmason.

With Bath losing to Corsham, Frocester are now 35 points clear at the top Premier One.

Following Friday’s torrential rain, the match was reduced a 30 overs and with acting captain Paul Muchall losing the toss, Frocester were inserted on a drying wicket.

However, Javed Khan and Uzi Quereshi saw off the new ball with an opening partnership of 61 in 14 overs.

Quereshi was the first to go, caught in the covers for 32. Promoted to number three, Gegg was quickly into his stride as the runs continued to flow. The partnership was worth 37 in six overs when Khan was caught behind for 33.

Muchall provided Gegg with good support, both running lots of quick singles. However, Muchall was bowled for 15 with the total on 153 from 26 overs.

Downend had used all their front line bowlers and were brutally exposed in the final six overs, which yielded 55 runs, with Gegg smashing 32 runs from his final 12 deliveries. As a result, Frocester finished on 202 for four, with Gegg finishing unbeaten on 76, which included seven fours and five sixes.

Downend have a dangerous batting line-up and their openers made a quick start, with 60 runs coming from the first six overs. However, Olly Jones captured a wicket and then Ashley Davis bowled a crucial spell of off spin taking 3-20 from his six over spell, with Downend reduced to 98-5 from 15 overs.

Matt Jackson led the visitors’ recovery and at 171-5 from 25 overs, Downend looked set for victory. But, Ross Martin returned to the attack and had Jackson well stumped by Sam Bracey for 44.

Paul Muchall returned as the tension mounted. Martin captured two more wickets to finish with 3-24. Muchall bowled the final over with Downend requiring 13 runs for victory. Phil Jackson hit a boundary from the second delivery and a couple of singles followed, but then Tom Wand held a crucial catch on the mid-wicket boundary, with Frocester celebrating another great victory.