WITH cloudbursts in surrounding area and thunder throughout the afternoon, it was amazing that only a few drops of rain fell at Bartestree.

BARTESTREE & LUGWARDINE 2ND XI v CANON FROME 2ND XI

To the surprise and relief of all, this Marches League Division Four match proceeded without interruption.

Bartestree's innings was a steady one with I Carr (59) the lynch pin. However the threat of a big total receded as his various partners failed to stay at the other end. His best support came from A Jones with an enterprising 21 at number nine, but even then the team total of 169 was no more than adequate.

Frome's mainly young attack did well, with six wickets being shared by Nick Panniers, Nick Dallow and Stuart Davies (all aged 14).

Canon Frome's innings followed a similar pattern until Nick Panniers joined Pryse Whittall with 100 still needed. The enterprising running of the former seemed to galvanise the latter and a salvo of powerful shots won the game for Frome II.

Whittall, who was dropped twice, was out just before the end trying to hit a sixth six to complete his century.