Review of Midland Combined Counties League action (22 Aug 1997)

English Club Cricket

BEDWORTH EDGE CLOSER TO HIGHWAY

Review of Midland Combined Counties League action from 2nd August

The margin between the top sides narrowed again after Highway's defeat by Kenilworth Wardens and Bedworth's two wicket win over Hampton-in-Arden. Old Edwardians's hopes of retaining their title were probably extinguished when they were held to a draw by neighbours Blossomfield. Lichfield recorded their first win at Redditch, with last pair Pemberton and Flemming at the crease whilst a one wicket win was acheived.

Damian d'Oliveira dominated Droitwich's win over Nuneaton, whose chances of relegation were significantly increased by gaining no bonus points. As he had against Old Edwardians a few weeks previously, d'Oliveira again scored a fifty and took four wickets.

In the Solihull derby, Blossomfield compiled a useful total of 201 despite an excellent five wicket haul from Neville Mason. In reply, only Old Edwardians' Mike Hughes, who scored 64 not out in 50 overs, was able to repel bowlers Chapman, Holland and Spires. Only three Old Eds batsmen reached double figures as last year's champions struggled to a draw.

Bedworth placed themselves within three points of leaders Highway by beating Hampton with two balls to spare. Caratella and Parnell scored half centuries for the victors after Paul Smith had scored 61 for Hampton.

Premier Division Scores: (home team first)

REDDITCH 152 for 7 (M Busfield 67, N Hadley 16, J Lostitch 17, N Parrett 5 for 45) lost to LICHFIELD 155 for 9 (Pritchett 34, Price 24) by one wicket.

BLOSSOMFIELD 201 for 8 (T Blair 41, G Williamson 36, Holland 24, NG Mason 5 for 75) drew with OLD EDWARDIANS 137 for 8 (MK Hughes 64 not out, PJ Clarke 26, JRF Evans 13, Spires 3 for 18).

BEDWORTH 192 for 8 (Matthews 39, Sarna 18, Caratella 52, H Parnell 50) beat HAMPTON-IN-ARDEN 189 for 4 (PJ Vickerstaff 19, P Smith 61, Waqar 27 not out, Harris 41 not out, D Oakes 3 for 67) by two wickets.

WATER ORTON 199 (McKnight 59, Bedford 55, W Badger 28, Knight 3 for 58, Entwhistle 3 for 71) drew with WORCESTER NORTON TAVERNERS 162 for 8 (W Dry 75, Entwhistle 23, McDonald 5 for 77, Stevenson 3 for 40).

NUNEATON 100 (DB d'Oliveira 4 for 19) lost to DROITWICH 101 for 2 (DB d'Oliveira 75) by eight wickets.

STREETLY 66 lost to WALMLEY 206 for 7 by 140 runs.

HIGHWAY 155 (Kotak 6 for 27) lost to KENILWORTH WARDENS 158 for 6 (S Startup 4 for 42) by four wickets.

Premier Division Standings:

1st. Highway 230; 2nd. Bedworth 227; 3rd. Kenilworth Wardens 217; 4th. Walmley 207; 5th. Blossomfield 207; 6th. Droitwich 199; 7th. Worcester Norton Taverners 195; 8th. Water Orton 189; 9th. Old Edwardians 184; 10th. Redditch 180; 11th. Nuneaton 161; 12th. Hampton-in-Arden 134; 13th. Streetly 119; 14th. Lichfield 104.