FRANKTON produced a clinical performance as they thrashed Forton by 147 runs.
Surprisingly, Frankton were asked to bat first on a pitch that looked as though it was only going to deteriorate as the game progressed.
Consistent openers Nalaka De Silva (18) and Ian Whitticase (16) got them off to a solid start even though the hosts were bowling a good length.  Youngster Sam Todd (32) along with Jon Chappell (28) then pushed the total over the 100 mark but both got out when looking set for a big score.  At 112-5 the innings needed some impetus and this was provided by skipper Jordan Parry who played aggressively to score 92 not out off just 60 balls, with seven sixes as Frankton amassed an excellent 244 for seven off 45 overs.  Chris Sayers bowled 18 good overs for the hosts and deserved more than the two wickets he finished with.
In response, Forton had no answer to Frankton's new ball bowlers, Ed Whyte and Stu Lammie, and the game was pretty much over after 14 overs.  Whyte finished with 3-45 off 11 overs and Lammie an excellent 3-9 off seven overs of pace and aggression as Forton found themselves on the brink at 44-5. Some lower order resistance from home skipper Matt Sayers and Steve Cartwright pushed the score towards the 100 mark but the introduction of Ian Whitticase to the attack soon finished the game.  He took the final two wickets to fall with the score on 97 as Frankton wrapped up a superb victory to move up to third in the league.
Result: Frankton 244-7 (23 points) beat Forton 97 all out (four points) by 147 runs.