LEAMINGTON could not achieve back-to-back Birmingham League Division One wins as they fell to a three-wicket defeat at Tamworth.
Having chosen to bat, skipper Jon Wigley will have been disappointed with the performance at their Staffordshire opponents.
Leamington lost two early wickets and none of the middle order reached 30 runs.
Only Wigley himself made a substantial contribution, making 57 before being bowled by Josh Bowker, one of five victims for the Tamworth opening bowler.
Leamington’s innings ended on 184-9, with Bowker claiming 5-19 in an excellent spell.
In response Tamworth made a comfortable start reaching 102-1 before Liam Banks was dismissed by Nabeel Asghar (3-25) for 45.
Tamworth’s middle order followed Leamington’s example, none playing a substantial innings as Asghar took two more wickets.
Tamworth were always just ahead of the game, however, and despite an excellent bowling performance from Leamington, the Staffordshire side passed the target with three wickets and five balls in hand.
Leamington will take heart from a fine effort in the field but work needs to be done with the bat ahead of Saturday’s home clash against Wellington.
In the reverse fixture in Premier Division Second XI at Arlington Avenue, Leamington Seconds sailed to an emphatic nine-wicket victory.
Tamworth were all out for 237 after 45 overs with James Silk (2-33) being the pick of the Leamington bowlers.
In reply it was Leamington’s openers who got all the runs with Max Lion finishing unbeaten on 102 while Matthew Payne was bowled out for a 100.
A total of 36 extras contributed to Leamington’s innings as they raced to 238-1.
The Thirds were also victorious as they claimed a 58-run victory over FISSC in a high-scoring Cotswold Hills League First Division clash.
James Gethin hit 103 while Rob Williams crashed an unbeaten 75 as Spa closed on 258-5 from their allotted 45 overs.
Although FISSC got off to a good start, David Lorn (5-26) ran through the middle order as the visitors fell short on 200-9.
Elsewhere, the Fourths claimed a narrow 16-run victory over Stanway in Cotswold Hills League Division Three.
