PAUL Franklin’s superb century proved to be in vain as Ross-on-Wye Cricket Club's first XI slipped to a nine run defeat against Presteigne in Division Eight South of the Worcestershire County League on Saturday.

After losing the toss at The Park, Ross were asked to field first and eventually restricted the visitors to 256 for five from their allotted 45 overs.

Charlie Sankey provided the early platform with 60 before Craig Pigott took control of the innings, top scoring with an impressive 87. James Chilman added a useful 31, while Duncan Gibbons remained unbeaten on 34 as Presteigne accelerated towards the close. A generous 36 extras also boosted the visitors' total.

Ross produced a disciplined bowling display for long periods, with Sachin Anil returning the standout figures of two for 25 from his nine overs, including a maiden. Chloe Tingle claimed one for 40, David Newton removed Sankey for 60, and Kiran Krishnan also picked up a wicket as the hosts kept themselves firmly in the contest despite the sizeable target.

Needing 257 for victory, Ross made a steady start before Richard Jeffryes was run out for 17. Franklin then anchored the innings magnificently, compiling a superb 118 to keep his side in contention throughout the chase.

The wicketkeeper batter found support in patches, but no other Ross player was able to produce the substantial partnership required to overhaul the target. Muhammed Noufal Fazaludeen contributed 11, Sachin Anil added 13, Jim Lewis made 20, while David Newton chipped in with 12 lower down the order.

Once Franklin's innings came to an end, the balance of the contest swung decisively back in Presteigne's favour as wickets fell regularly during the closing stages.

Charlie Sankey completed an outstanding all round performance by taking three wickets for 36, while Morgan Speed and Mathew Griffiths each claimed two wickets. Craig Pigott, Arthur Chilman and another Presteigne bowler each collected a wicket as Ross were dismissed for 247 in 43.3 overs.

Despite falling just short, Ross earned seven league points thanks to batting and bowling bonus points, while Presteigne collected the full 20 points for victory.

The defeat leaves Ross frustrated after pushing the visitors close in an entertaining contest that featured more than 500 runs across the afternoon. Franklin's century was undoubtedly the highlight for the home side and underlined his importance at the top of the order, while Anil's accurate spell with the ball ensured Ross remained in the contest during the first innings.

Ross will also take encouragement from the way they remained in the hunt for much of the chase despite facing a challenging target. Had one more batter been able to stay with Franklin and build a sizeable partnership, the outcome could easily have swung the other way in a closely fought encounter.

However, Presteigne's stronger contributions throughout their batting order, combined with Sankey's match defining all round display, ultimately proved the difference as they left The Park with a deserved victory after defending their total successfully.