FROCESTER cruised into the final of the Stuart Canvas Gloucestershire Cup with a comprehensive nine-wicket home defeat of Downend.
The visitors, feeling the effects of celebrating their promotion back to WEPL’s top flight, were dismissed for 156 after losing the toss, Archie Baker (4-26) and Hamza Shahzad (3-32) sparking a collapse from 116-2 to undo the good work of openers Callum Loud (53) and Maz Khan (41).
In reply, Frocester were rarely troubled, Matt Tuck finishing unbeaten on 87 and fellow opener James Austen contributing 37 while Dan Whincup reached 24 not out as victory was clinched after only 27 overs.
Frocester’ reward is a trip to the Seat Unique Stadium on September 7 when their final opponents will be Bristol.
BRISTOL are also preparing for the south regional final of the ECB’s National Club T20 on Sunday.
Basingstoke & North Hants CC will be the venue for straight knock out clashes between Hayes and Preston Nomads with Bristol then meeting Oundle Town, of Peterborough, ahead of the two winners going head to head for a place in the national final.
THE Stuart Canvas Gloucestershire Trophy final between Gloucester AIW and Pak Bristolians will be staged at Thornbury on Sunday (11am).