FBC Manbu Bowdler League
Welshpool 131 for 7 drew at
Frankton 197 for 6
WELSHPOOL claimed another losing draw with a hard-earned share of the points at Hardwick Park.
Hosts Frankton failed to impress with the bat after winning the toss, but in the end an unbeaten 63 from their captain Jordan Parry was crucial.
Earlier in innings Welshpool’s Sam Birch maintained his recent form by toppling the wicket of opener Dave Powell for two.
Frankton’s run rate picked up as Nalaka De Silva (31) was joined at the crease by Jason Brookes (28), with Jon Chappell (20) also making a quickfire knock.
However Frankton were kept in check by Dave Frost and Ernie Birch, who claimed 2-61 and 2-26 respectively in a 19 over spell.
However while Richard Parry-Jones was caught off Rupert Shingler for 20, the Frankton captain, Parry (63no), refused to budge and along with Tom Wilkie (20no) pushed his side to a defendable 196-6.
In reply Welshpool’s much changed top order set the tone with Joe Birch and Dave Jones making a solid first wicket contribution.
The latter was caught for nine off Ed Whyte for nine, but Birch and Shingler combined to push Pool on.
Both finally fell to catches off Tom Wilkie (2-25), with Birch posting 27 and Shingler adding 21.
Young fringe player Dan Chodeki did not let himself down and added 23 to the chase, before being bowled by Parry (2-10), who also claimed Ryan Davies (10).
With skipper Dale Evans - bumped up to the middle order for the match - trapped lbw for 12 by De Silva (1-19), it was left to the eighth wicket partnership of Matt McWhinnie (4no) and Frost (5no) to see out the overs for a draw.