PAUL FRAPE and James Job were the heroes for Stroud in a nail-biting win against bottom of the table Apperley.

Job picked up six wickets and Frape held his nerve with a crucial 59.

Earlier, Stroud were asked to bowl on a very good looking wicket.

The first over of the innings bowled by Job was an eventful one. A mixture of wides, no balls and fantastic deliveries left Apperley in early trouble at seven for two.

Golding and Job then continued their assault on the Apperley batting order to leave the home side under pressure - three down with very little on the board after 15 overs. Frape and Luke Palmer entered the attack and bowled well, with Frape picking up a wicket.

Captain Golding then introduced the spin attack of Chris Job and Gavin Dean who kept the rate down and took another three wickets between them.

James Job then returned to the attack to remove the late order to finish with remarkable figures of six for 44 to leave Stroud to chase an under 169 for victory.

Unfortunately the innings started poorly with Adam Jones and Dom Thompson failing to score and Horrell with a handful to his name perishing to a short ball, to leave Stroud at seven for three.

Captain Golding and the attacking Chris Job came together and Golding looked very assured on his way to 38 until he also fell to a short delivery. By this time Job had also fallen leaving Stroud very much in trouble.

Luckily the reliable veteran Frape was now at the crease and produced a knock that was simply sensational given the situation.

First with Matt Smith and then with Gavin Dean he took the game away from Apperley with an array of positive stroke play that was worthy of winning any game of cricket to compile a fantastic 59.

Unfortunately he fell with only six required so it was left to the bowling hero James Job to complete the victory with Palmer at the other end to see Stroud home with two wickets to spare.