Stroud and Swindon Senior Midweek Trophy Rockhampton (103-6) beat Frocester (102-9) by four wickets
ROCKHAMPTON celebrated winning the Stroud and Swindon Senior Midweek Cup on Friday night for just the third time in their history, with victory over long time rivals Frocester.
On a cloudy evening and a less than friendly wicket at Stinchcombe, Frocester won the toss but were immediately on the back foot as Nick Gulwell struck twice in his opening spell aided by catches for Jack Spence and James Hancox.
From that moment on, Frocester struggled to establish any noteworthy partnership as Rockhampton continued to pick up wickets at crucial times.
Hancox was typically economical, and whilst Tom Cullimore was expensive he also picked up a vital wicket in the middle on the innings.
James Cooke and Spence then treated the travelling support to some fine death bowling, both picking up two wickets and consistently finding a yorker length as Frocester closed on 102-9 from their 20 overs.
The Rams were off to a disastrous reply as Sam Phelps was caught at mid-off from the third delivery.
Richard Mackinnon hit consecutive boundaries before he was bowled, and the Rams were 11-2.
Hopkins and Will Tyler set about the rebuilding job, with Hopkins pushing ones and twos, and Tyler immediately into the form that has seen him top the league averages this year.
They added 43 for the third wicket before Tyler was stumped for a classy 29. Spence was dismissed early, and when Nigel Hopkins followed soon after for 15, Rams were reeling at 66-5 from 14 overs.
Cooke had made six when he was lucky to survive a controversial caught and bowled shout.
It proved to be a turning point as he then smashed 15 from the 18th over before he was bowled for 21 having brought the Rams within touching distance.
Will Cartlidge was determined to finish the game in style and despatched a brutal extra cover drive for six for the Rams to win with 11 balls to spare.
Rockhampton skipper Tyler collected the Cup along with a cheque for £100 and the celebrations ensued. Rams will look for a league and cup double in the midweek league final coming up shortly.
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