IT was a nail-biting finish, but Frocester slipped to a one-wicket defeat off the final delivery of the match at Bedminster on Saturday, writes Eric Woodmason.

It was a game that swayed backwards and forwards, but, ultimately, Frocester could not clinch victory.

Nick Trainor lost the toss and Frocester were inserted on a good wicket, but, with pre-season preparations being so limited, Trainor would have made a similar decision.

Nevertheless, Frocester made a flying start with Uzi Qureshi leading the way. Ross Martin fell for 13, but Louis Gegg joined Qureshi, taking the total to 60 for one from 10 overs.

However, once Gegg fell for 24, Frocester’s middle order frailties were once again apparent, particularly as the Bedminster spinners bowled tightly. Callum Gegg (24) joined Qureshi in a partnership of 47 to take the score to 138-3, but, with Callum Gegg’s dismissal, Frocester’s batting line-up failed to take advantage of the strong situation.

When Qureshi was caught for 84 (eight fours and a six), the total had reached 179-6 and from there Frocester slumped to 199 all out in the final over.

In the field, Frocester twice were in positions of control, with the home side slumping to 46-4 and 130-6, with Ross Martin. Tom Drake and Richie Cave all bowling well.

However, Rob Cunliffe (28) and Tom Smith (34 not out) with sensible batting, edged Bedminster towards victory. Cunliffe feel leg before to Cave with the total on 186-7 and two more wickets fell shortly after, but, Smith took Bedminster to victory in the final over.

Frocester 2nd X1 started their WEPM Gloucestershire campaign with a convincing 151 run victory over Bourton Vale. Batting first, Frocester scored 256-9 in 50 overs, with Harry Senior top-scoring with 62. Bourton were then bowled out for 105 in 34 overs, with the seam attack of Dan Dave, Angus Gegg and Dan Hiuxstep destroying the visitors batting line-up.