Stroud & District Cricket Association Division Three

Frampton-on-Severn 3rds (133-9) tied with Charfield 2nds (133-9)

FRAMPTON and Charfield conjured up a thrilling tie in a match shortened beforehand to 32 overs per side due to the wet forecast and an accident on the A38.

On being invited to bat first, the visitors tried to get off to a fast start, but were held back by fine spells from Bob Murray (3-13) and Charlotte Pretty (2-25).

Despite several boundaries from Dan Thornhill (22) and Greg Hull (26), Charfield were in trouble at 57-5 and 81-7.

The innings did reach a competitive total due to 20 precious extras and well-timed acceleration from Tony Field (17*) and Mick Simmons (13).

Frampton's chase got off to a poor start, losing Martin Clements to a smart stumping by Nick Hunt in the third over.

Further wickets fell steadily with wily Mike Colburn taking 2-4 in his first spell.

As the run rate crept up, Jeremy Hull (3-28) removed Tom Johns (25), George Hart (8) and Paul Birch (33).

That left Pretty (10*) and captain Murray (28) needing more than ten an over, but the game swung hugely Frampton’s way when Murray plundered 17 off Colborn in the 31st over.

That left Frampton only six to get off the final over from young debutant Louis Welsman.

After two twos and a wide, Frampton needed only one more, but Welsman (2-20) coolly bowled both Murray and Terry Smith with the last two balls of the match to salvage a tie.