After the emphatic victory away at Bartestree last week, Ross 2nds hosted a far stronger opposition in Canon Frome 2nds at The Park on Saturday.

Fielding a team with four youngsters on debut, Ross opted to field and it was no surprise on a flat wicket offering little to the bowlers that CF got off to a brisk start, reaching 42 before the first breakthrough, Wayne Husbands catching at midwicket off Chris Mason.

CF continued their aggressive approach and were past 130 before skipper Richard Jeffryes took 3 quick wickets to slow the onslaught. However, the new batsmen quickly settled again and there was more toil for the bowlers until Mickey Nixon, on debut, removed Stevens for 73 thanks to a fine catch by Chris Mason, Theo Minnie took a wicket courtesy of a stumping by Si Timewell and the CF innings eventually closed on an imposing 265 for 6.

In reply Ross could have easily capitulated against some experienced bowling but opted to get their heads down and dig in after the early departure of skipper Jeffryes. Veteran Paul Morris hit 51 before retiring with cramp, but the undoubted star of the show was Mickey Nixon who batted through the whole innings, striking a very disciplined maiden 50 not out.

This year’s top scorer Dee Springer hit an unbeaten 12 at the end as Ross ended their innings on 155 for 3, earning a losing draw and remaining in the top half of the early league table as a result.