Callum Taylor’s century condemns Frinton to defeat at Swardeston
Michael Griggs, who top-scored with 78 in Frinton's four-wicket defeat at Swardeston. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT - Credit: Archant
Frinton had managed to end the 100% record of leaders Sudbury the previous weekend, but they were unable to topple defending champions Swardeston in the East Anglian Premier League on Saturday.
Swardeston, gunning for their sixth title in a row, had suffered a rare defeat at Copdock & Old Ipswichian just seven days earlier, and so could not really afford another slip-up.
And the Norfolk hosts responded by beating Frinton by a four-wicket margin, despite the Essex side accruing a useful 290 for seven off their 64 overs.
A century from 19-year-old Callum Taylor, who is on the books of Essex CCC, was the backbone of Swardeston’s successful reply, with victory achieved after 51.1 overs.
Swardeston captain Mark Thomas had won the toss and elected to field first, a popular choice at The Common where the home side are accustomed to chasing down totals.
It was looking very promising for Frinton, when opener Michael Griggs and captain Kyran Young put on 101 for the second wicket.
But both men were then removed with the total on 158,which represented a key turning point in the match.
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Griggs was caught behind by wicketkeeper Stephen Gray, off the bowling of Freddie Ruffell, for a well-paced 73. His innings included a six and 13 fours.
An in-form Young was dismissed in quick succession, caught by Peter Lambert off Jason Reynolds for 45, a knock which had included eight fours.
Ruffell went on to claim figures of four for 17 off just nine overs, to leave Frinton in trouble on 181 for six.
A recovery was masterminded by wicketkeeper Thomas Benn and all-rounder Michael Comber, to at least give the visitors something to bowl at.
The pair shared a seventh wicket partnership of 106, before Benn was dismissed off the penultimate ball of the innings for an excellent 53 off 97 balls.
Comber’s 44 not out came off just 40 deliveries.
Swardeston were soon on the front foot in their reply, Lambert racing to a quick 34 and fellow opener Reynolds (60) adding 137 for the second wicket with the dominant Taylor.
Mervyn Westfield and Lewis Catlow took two wickets apiece, but Taylor’s masterly 120, which featured two sixes and 19 fours, effectively won the game. Victory was just six runs away when he was dismissed.
