BOURTON Vale concluded their 2023 season with a three-wicket victory over Frocester 2XI on Saturday.

Vale, who end the year in sixth place in the Gloucestershire West of England Premier Cricket League table, were made to work for it in the end in what was a low-scoring game.

The hosts Frocester won the toss and elected to bat first. 

The wickets came in bunches and Rhys Lamplugh was first to go when bowled by Will Faulkner for 10.

Opener Matthew Tuck hit four 6s on his way to 32 but his innings was ended by Jordan Price. 

At 86-2, the hosts were going well but Mark Gew was bowled by Arthus Hanson for 23 as another promising start came to an end. 

Hanson continued his impressive performance in removing Aaron Tuck (8) and Jamie Bremner (1) in quick succession as Frocester fell to 113-5.

Whilst the wickets continued to tumble, Wimmar Perera provided the bulk of the runs for the hosts as he did his best to ramp up the score and help his side post a competitive total.

He scored 91 runs, a knock that included 12 fours and 2 sixes, but he was halted by Charlie Garratt, who had him caught nine short of his century. Frocester ended on 192 all-out. 

Bourton's Hanson finished with figures of 3-28 and Garratt with 3-22. Tom Arkell took 2-14 and there was a wicket each for Faulkner and Jordan Price. 

In response, it was a shaky start from Vale who lost their three opening batsman for just 31 runs in total. 

Hanson and Oliver Lockey did put on a 40-run partnership to steady the ship, but 92-3 quickly became 135-7 as the visitors creaked.

But Hanson and Tom Arkell then put on 60 for the eighth wicket to get them over the lien and secure the win.