It was a record opening partnership of 304 for Frocester at Pounds Close on a super Saturday with Andy Solomons smashing 183 and Uzi Qureshi stroking 147, writes Eric Woodmason.

Frocester reached a massive 398-4, defeating Easton and Burbage Royal by 176 runs.

Quite inexplicably, the Burbage skipper won the toss and invited Frocester to bat. Solomons was quick to take advantage of some loose bowling and gaps in the field, reaching 50 off 49 deliveries, with nine fours and a six. Qureshi played a supporting role as Solomons went through the gears, reaching his century off 83 deliveries, which included 12 fours and five sixes. He went past the 150 mark off 114 balls and eventually fell for 183, his final tally of boundaries at 17 fours and 11 sixes. Qureshi eventually fell for 147, which included 16 fours and three sixes. Solomons was first to go, which brought Tom Wand to the crease to support his captain in a partnership of 63, of which Wand contributed 37. There were hopes of reaching the 400 mark, but the Pounds Close unit fell two runs short.

In reply, Chris Liddle captured a wicket with his first delivery, but the Burbage batsmen resisted stubbornly, although plenty of deliveries passed the outside edge. The high point for the visitors was 128-2 from 29 overs, but Frocester kept chipping away, with Alex Russell picking up two wickets and a brilliant piece of fielding by Fin Dixon produced a run out exposing the Burbage tail. Chad Trainor took 3-38 and Jack Worgan took the final two wickets in the 50th over to seal maximum points for Frocester.

Uzi Qureshi’s men visit Thornbury next week in a vital top of the table clash, while the 2nd X1 are at home to Painswick in an interesting local derby.