CRICKET: A FIFTH wicket partnership between Scott Stenning and Tom Brammer helped Kenilworth Wardens share the spoils against Ombersley on Saturday.
Following two heavy defeats to Berkswell and West Bromwich Dartmouth, a depleted Wardens side travelled to Ombersley without either opening batsmen.
Wardens were greeted by a full strength opposition side boasting both Brett D’Oliveira and Ben Cox – who had both played for Worcestershire in the county’s Twenty20 fixture the previous night.
Wardens won the toss and invited Ombersley to bat on an overcast afternoon.
D’Oliveira and Gwynne got the home side off to a brisk start, hitting 50 in the first nine overs after Gwynne was dropped in the covers while on seven.
The drop proved very expensive
A double bowling change brought brothers Junead and Basit Zaman into the attack – and Junead had Brett D’Oliveira (22) caught in the covers in his first over.
Kaul joined Gwynne and it was to be a long time before Wardens tasted further success.
The pair put on 105 for the second wicket while Gwynne was dropped for a second time.
The introduction of Scott Stenning into the attack saw the demise of Gwynne for (97) as he was stumped by Sale, but not before his second over was savaged by Gwynne who took 16 off it.
Kaul (75) became Stennings’ second victim with the score on 228 before a quickfire half century by Ben Cox enabled Ombersley to close on 316/7.
Wardens got off to a disastrious start in reply as Mousley fell for a duck in the second over when he was caught at slip by Gwynne off the bowling of Uffindall.
Worse was to follow as Andrew picked up three wickets for 30 runs from his opening ten over spell to leave Wardens reeling at 51/4.
Brammer joined Stenning in a 29 over partnership of 100 to edge Wardens toward a draw, but the drama was not over.
Coming on to bowl in the 44th over Gwynne took the wickets of Stenning (53) with his first ball before Brammer (48) and Anwar (8) quickly followed.
Cool headed Martin Donald (26*) saw out the remaining overs to secure the a hard fought draw.
2ND XI
WARDENS 2nd XI continued their strong run of form with a convincing win over local rivals Leamington.
After losing the toss, Madley’s men were inserted into bat after mid-morning heavy rain had moistened Glasshouse Park.
Although Wardens survived the first nine overs, they were soon reeling at 47-3 after the introduction of Payne saw more attacking bowling lines leaving Wardens unable to leave as many balls.
Payne combined well with opener Midgley as the pair removed Madley (7), Henderson (1) and Anthony (7).
This bought the experience of May to the crease who, with the inform De Regt, combined in a dogged 83 runs rebuilding project.
Once Robin was removed for 66, Wardens had rebuilt to 130-4 but were in no means in control of the game.
After a remarkable straight six from Pidgeon (30), him and May – both left handers – accelerated the innings in excellent fashion with May finishing on 74* as Wardens reached 216/7.
In reply, Leamington struggled to handle Wardens’ strong bowling attack.
Warwickshire youth prospects Khayam Khan and Tommy Rext led the attack as Leamington’s top order were removed with ease.
At 25/4, the home side were struggling.
Tight bowling from Henderson ensured Leamington were quickly made all out.
