Midsomer Norton unfortunately snatched defeat from the jaws of victory as they fell to a shocking and disappointing loss to Frome.
After losing the toss, Norton were sent out to field by Frome Skipper, Wheeler, and his decision to make first use of the pitch paid dividends, as the Dredges, Dan and Dave, made early progress on an excellent batting wicket.
They both passed fifty and the opening stand of well over a hundred set the platform for a big score. Norton had other ideas, however, as the spin pairing of Nick Pang and Nick Cox saw them snare an opener each as Norton fought back.
Pang and Cox continued to haul Frome back, each adding two further wickets to their respective tallies and, after Mosena returned to mop up the lower order, Norton dismissed Frome for 206.
Norton didn't begin in ideal fashion, Nick Cox soon edging behind off Neal. With the freewheeling Lear peppering the boundary early and Martin Cox striking the ball well, Norton were soon well above the required rate though.
Lear fell for a swashbuckling 28 and Mosena went to a second ball duck to bring Frome back into the game, but Clifton got up and running in his usual dominating way. He and Cox both passed fifty and, at 150–3, Norton looked in control. Clifton went to Neal and when Pang followed after a flurry of boundaries, Frome had a sniff of victory.
The big wicket of Cox came with the score at 192 and, as Sanger applied some pressure, the lower order crumbled. The final wicket fell at 198 and Frome celebrated an improbable victory.
Norton were left to rue some injudicious stroke play, when perhaps calmer heads were required. If they are to match their hopes of a top four finish this season, Norton will need to ensure those frailties are strengthened when Glastonbury, who will be looking for revenge after the meeting earlier this season, visit Withies Lane this Saturday.
While the First Team is at home on Saturday, the Seconds visit Congresbury and the Thirds visit Brislington. On Sunday, Brislington are the visitors for a Second XI league fixture.