Frome 1st XI won by 208 runs

Frome 1st XI - 313-4

Warminster 1st XI - 105 all out

Frome's 2019 double winning side found their stride immediately after the long delay to the cricket season, emphatically beating Warminster by 208 runs in their first friendly of the season.

After winning the toss and deciding to bat first, Frome batsman made light work of the batter friendly conditions with Lett and Lewis putting on 45 for the first wicket inside the first 7 overs before Lewis was bowled for 28.

Smith (18) and Veal (45) both built partnerships with the opener Lett, who continued to dispatch the Warminster bowlers all around the ground.

Lett finally decided to retire with 8 overs remaining, much to the relief of the tiring bowlers, on an incredible 143, picking up from where he left last season. This brought new Frome signing Jenkins to the crease who added a quick 28, leaving Frome on 313-4 off their 40 overs.

In reply, Warminster got off to the worst possible start to their chase, with the unplayable Barton picking up 4 wickets, with the hosts only on 14.

Frome continued to use their bowling changes, giving the bowlers valuable overs before next weeks group match. Neil Dredge and Watts also picked up a wicket a piece, with Warminster unable to get anywhere near the Frome total.

Captain Mark Sanger was the last bowling change, who came on and moped up the Warminster tail, claiming 4 wickets in his 3 overs.

Frome travel to Lansdown 1st XI next Saturday, as their begin their COVID-19 group A season.

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Frome 2s beat Warminster 2s by 47 runs

Frome 2s: 233-5 (40 overs)

Warminster 2s: 186-9 (40 overs)

Frome 2s produced a fine performance against Warminster 2s in the first fixture of the shortened post-lockdown cricket season.

After being invited to bat first, Dan Dredge dominated the bowling to rack up a superb century and set the Showmen on their way to an intimidating total. Dredge (102) found useful support from all of the top-5 with Pinchen (39) and a late innings assault from Smart (32*) propelling Frome to 233-5 from their 40 overs.

In reply an opening burst from Knight (3-49) immediately put Warminster on the back foot, and despite an impressive counter-attack from Tull (81*) all of the Frome bowlers performed well to keep the pressure on and the run-rate in check. Despite a mid-innings revival, Cox (3-33) returned to blow away the tail – the innings eventually closing on 186-9.

An excellent work out for the Showmen with all of the batsmen and bowlers spending useful time in the middle and getting overs under their belt. With a Bubble League of 10 fixtures against Box, Keevil, Trowbridge 2s, Warminster 2s and Winsley – there is still a lot of competitive cricket to come which will provide Frome with a stern test of their credentials through till the end of September.

The League action commences next weekend when the Showmen welcome Box to Fromefield.

Next Fixture: Saturday 25th July, Box (Home) – 13:00 start