FRINTON went close to causing a big upset in their Gibbs Denley East Anglian Premier League match at high-flying Vauxhall Mallards.

Instead, they ran out of overs, finishing just 11 runs short of their victory target, but still gained a valuable draw heading into this weekend's home match against Bury St Edmunds.

Skipper Kyran Young’s recent good luck with the toss continued and he asked the hosts to bat.

The wicket seemed to be awkward as Mervyn Westfield quickly removed opener Mitchell Todd for eight, following a good catch by Michael Griggs.

However, Frinton's joy was short-lived as Griggs injured his hand taking the catch and was later ruled out from his usual position in opening the batting.

Frinton continued to apply pressure, with wickets for David Brent and Dan Carter as the hosts limped to 88 for three.

Mallards' South African overseas player, Devon Conway, dug himself in as the sun appeared and the wicket improved. Conway looked fully in control as he put on a 129-run fourth-wicket partnership with Luke Caswell.

Caswell was eventually removed for 63 by Westfield and was quickly followed by Conway, who was out lbw to Tony Stubbs for 110.

Mallards declared on 257 for seven, handing Frinton 57 overs to reach this total.

Frinton's response stuttered with an unusual early exit for Murray Commins on seven, to be quickly followed by stand-in opener Russell Stockdale for 17 and Matt Foakes for five.

Westfield then arrived with Frinton under pressure at 32 for three.

When Young was bowled by Todd for nine, it seemed Frinton faced a mountain but Westfield and David Brent seemed determined to climb it with a dogged 117 fifth-wicket partnership.

When Westfield was caught behind on 97, the hosts seemed convinced the game was theirs.

Brent kept the game alive with a determined 53 until bowled by Todd and the Frinton lower order joined in.

Keeper Tom Benn once again proved his worth with an unbeaten 17 and Alex Price added 26.

However, the overs ran out with Frinton just 11 runs short on 246 for seven, but gaining a valuable draw.

At Ashlyns Road, Lewis Catlow’s second team fell short as Mistley chased down their 158 for eight with the loss of just three wickets.

Positives could be taken from good spells from young bowlers Ed Ball (one for 12 off six overs) and Jack Oakes (one for 20 off five overs).

Frinton’s third team were found wanting as they collapsed to 154 all out, chasing Woodbridge's 211.

Frinton host Bury St Edmunds in the East Anglian Premier League on Saturday at Ashlyns Road, starting at 11am.