Bridgwater’s hopes of a first Premier One title since 2012 fell out if their hands after a 26 run defeat at relegation threatened Frocester on Saturday. Chasing 240 to win, Bridgwater were cruising at 171 for 2, with opener James Regan returning to form with a superb 85, however his dismissal sparked a collapse as the visitors lost their last 8 wickets for 42 runs to grasp defeat from the jaws of victory.

Frocester elected to bat first and lost captain Will Naish for a duck to Matt Burton in the first over, however Max Dunne (49) and Jono Jamieson-Black (56) repaired the damage with a fine partnership of 90, with Bridgwater not quite able to find their rhythm. Jake Lintott got the breakthrough, as he whittled his way through the middle order for 5-52, and in tandem with Luke Pearson-Taylor (2-17) the home side fell to 184 for 8, with Bridgwater back  in control.

Unfortunately for Bridgwater, the tail wagged, with Arnold Otwani making 46 and Richie Cave 20, with Frocester posting a par 239 all out at tea.

Bridgwater got off to a fine start as Regan and Lintott combined watchfulness with aggression to see off Naish and Wimma Perera. They accelerated against the change bowlers to put the visitors in a commanding position at 101 for 1 when Lintott fell for 52 from 66 balls. Soon after, Regan brought up his half century from 68 balls, however Charlie Sharland fell cheaply. Skipper Alex Eckland joined Regan and this pair continued the controlled run chase with a 50 stand in only 47 balls, with Regan accelerating before he played on for a fine 85 from 100 balls, with the score 171 for 3 in the 35th over.

What happened next can only be described as a disaster as the dismissal of Eckland (20) sparked panic in the remaining batters, as Frocester took the final 8 wickets for only 42 runs, to leave Bridgwater 26 runs short with 3 overs remaining. The defeat leaves Bridgwater needing to beat leaders Bath at the Parks next week, to get themselves back in the title picture, however even that may not be enough.