CHIPPING Sodbury suffered a disappointing 137-run home setback against Frocester seconds, failing to build on a highly encouraging start from the week before in the WEPL’s Gloucestershire division.

The home side were in a decent postion after reducing Frocester to 172-6 thanks to the efforts of Ben Waldron (1-33 from ten) and Phil Lill (2-52) with wicketkeeper John Rendell holding on to three catches.

But the visitors raced away thanks to aggressive innings from Chris Whincup (100 not) and Grant Jansen (56 not) to eventually total an imposing 344-7 which proved to be well out of reach for Sodbury despite the efforts of Lill (59) and Rob Mozelewski (34).

Sodbury seconds also struggled in an 84-run reverse away to their Hatherley and Reddings counterparts in Division Two of the Gloucestershire County League.

Simon Vooght (3-39) and Dan Brown (2-38) were the pick of the visitors’ attack as Hatherley were restricted to 223-8 before Sodbury were dismissed for 140.

It was a better day for Sodbury thirds who produced a fine display to edge Bristol Asians by 24 runs in Division Seven of the Bristol & District League.

Gritty knocks from Mark Graham (37) and Nic Hambly (35) lifted Sodbury to a total of 186, and it proved to be more than enough thanks to a disciplined effort in the field.

Veteran Mike Pearson (3-17 from nine) led the charge, backed up by teenager Ed Holden (2-20 from six), Graham (2-33 from nine) and Dan Morgan (1-25 from nine) to complete a second win in two outings.

Sodbury fourths were trumped by five wickets at home to Bradley Stoke 3rds in Division 11.

Simon Rossiter (39) and opener Rob Higgs (27) top scored as Sodbury worked hard to reach 159-9 from their 40.

But the visitors reached their target with eight overs to spare despite the efforts of Jamie Pearson (2-27 from eight).