West of England Premier League
Somerset Division
Frome 260 beat Chard 188 by 72 runs

CHARD were knocked off the top of the WEPL Somerset standings after suffering a second successive defeat, this time away to Frome on Saturday.

The hosts won the toss and chose to bat, with openers Paul Sanger (42) and Robin Lett building a 127-run first wicket partnership.

Sanger fell to Jonathan Scott (2-32) but Lett powered on to reach 112, before being caught and bowled by Chris Scott (2-43).

Sam Croker contributed 57, but then fell victim to Jon Dalwood, who ripped through the rest of the home batting order on his way to an extraordinary 6-41 off 9.1 overs.

Set 261 to win, Chard were immediately in trouble at 3-2 as they lost Reid Mawdsley (1) and Harvey Dening to Tom Barton (2-35) and Reece Croker (3-39), respectively.

Nathan Johnson (45) counter-attacked, but at 112-8 it looked all but over.

Nathan Warren (37) and Dalwood (34) gave their side hope, though, only for Lett and Reece Croker to end their fun and leave Chard all out in 38.1 overs.

Next up for Chard is a visit to bottom side North Petherton on Saturday (12.30pm start).