Stroud are on the brink

4:42pm Tuesday 19th August 2008

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PAUL FRAPE’S Stroud are on the brink of lifting the Gloucestershire Division title after a thrilling last ball victory over closest rivals Hatherley and Reddings.

One win from their remaining two games against Stone and Bredon will see the Farmhill side return to the Glos/ Wilts Division.

Earlier, Hatherley posted a challenging 188 for eight from their 45 overs.

Chris Dutton took three wickets for 38, with Rich Cox bagging two. James Job, Toby Carman and Frape collected one apiece. Sam Coote was Hatherley and Reddings top scorer with 72.

In reply, Stroud got off to a poor start. Openers Keith Daniels and Carman hit 15 and 12 respectively. Nonetheless, Chris Job smashed 84. The middle order wobbled somewhat. Shortwood footballer Luke Bennyworth fell for 16 and Olly Waters (1), Adam Gibbs (5) and Alistair Bell (0) all falling.

Frape made 21 before running himself out and Dutton followed for one.

However, Cox carried his bat for 11 and James Job remained unbeaten on six as Stroud strengthened their grip on the title with a winning 192 for nine.