FROCESTER defeated Newport by 26 runs in the first-round of the Royal London National Club KO on Sunday, with the competition now reduced to 40 overs, writes Eric Woodmason.

Captain Nick Trainor won the toss and batted first, but suffered the worst possible start, losing Ross Martin without a run on the board.

However, Uzi Qureshi and Louis Gegg repaired the situation with a stand of 75, before Qureshi fell for 33. Gegg then received good support from the middle-order, with Dan Whincup scoring 17, and brother, Callum Gegg, featuring in a stand of 34. When Louis was dismissed for 63, which included three fours and a six, this brought Trainor to the crease with five overs remaining. He smashed four sixes and a four, scoring 33 from only 13 deliveries. Callum Gegg played nicely to finish on 26 not out as Frocester reached a total of 185-5 from their 40 over allocation.

In reply, Newport struggled with Richie Cave and Nick Trainor picking up early wickets. Quite unusually, Frocester bowled three spinners as Alex Russell and Tom Wand, followed Trainor into the attack and bowled well to take important wickets. A great throw from Jack Cowles produced a run out and then Ross Martin and Richie Cave returned to finish off the tail. Cave finished with the excellent figures of 4-26 as Newport were bowled out for 159 in the 40th over.

Nick Trainor said: “This was a good all-round team performance and a good start to the season. There’s plenty of room for improvement, but it’s a promising start."

Frocester now face Bristol at Pounds Close on Sunday, May 13.