CRICKET: LEAMINGTON gained their second league win of the season with a well-judged run chase at Attock on Saturday.
The loss for Attock means they remain rooted to the bottom of the league while Leamington start to edge closer towards mid-table security.
Attock made a steady start having been asked to bat first by skipper Lee Hopkins and moved to 50 before Omar Masood was dismissed by Jon Wigley, the first of five victims for the Spa all-rounder.
The visiting side’s batting line-up all made starts, but Leamington restricted their progress as Tom Warner bagged two victims.
At 171/7, it seemed Attock would not make 200, but tail-ender Safraz Ali had other ideas.
In truth Leamington did not test him, but he took his opportunity well by blasting 75 as Attock were dismissed for 271.
Wigley’s efforts in the field saw him retire hurt from his opening spot with cramp.
Sulaiman Hussain joined Alex Mellor, and the pair added a half-century stand before Hussain was dismissed for 26.
James Gilchriest failed to trouble the scorers and Leamington were in trouble, effectively three wickets down with over 200 needed.
However Mellor batted well – and with the help of Hopkins the pair set about chasing Attock’s testing target.
Running well and using the shorter downhill boundary to good effect, the pair were in little bother as none of Attock’s bowlers were able to contain them.
In the end victory came at a canter as Leamington eased to 274/2 with five overs in hand.
Mellor notched his first century for the club, crafting a cultured unbeaten 132, while Hopkins ended on 109*.
Leamington remain in the relegation zone, but are further boosted by the arrival of Hamish Kingston, recently seen playing for Tasmania in the Big Bash ‘down under’.
2ND XI
Leamington’s 2nd XI produced a poor display with bat and ball as they were heavily defeated by Brockhampton.
Batting first on a well-grassed Arlington Avenue strip, Leamington struggled against Brock’s attack – in particular the impressive Alston Weerapura.
He dismissed Matt Payne and Jimmy Gethins with fine deliveries.
Nick Couzens looked in good nick but guided a long-hop to point for 26, and it was left to skipper Jason Butler to set any sort of target as he compiled 42 before being last man out as Leamington totalled a below-par 160 all out.
Leamington’s openers each claimed an early victim as the game was left in the balance.
However left hander James Mockler batted well.
Together with Max Porter, he helped deny Leamington any hope of victory as the home side slipped to an easy four wicket in with 18 overs in hand.
3RD XI
Despite an easy win at long-time rivals Long Itchington, Leamington’s 3rd XI remain rooted to the bottom of the Cotswold Hills Premier Division.
Batting first, Long Itchington struggled to break free from Leamington’s attack and posted a modest 167 for 5 at tea.
With Leamington 4/2 in reply however, Long Itchington appeared in the box seat.
However veteran David Lord and Jon Hall had other ideas.
The pair batted well as Leamington lost no further wickets and passed Long Itch’s total for an eight wicket win.
4TH XI
Gloucestershire-based side Adlestrop travelled to Arlington Avenue on Saturday to earn a narrow six run win.
Adlestrop posted 255/7 on a fast scoring ground and were kept in check somewhat by Leamington’s bowlers.
Despite a slow start, captain Paul Wilson and Rob Williams built a strong reply.
Wilson fell in the 40s, but while Williams was at the crease the home-side were always in with a shout.
Williams reached his century as Leamington pushed on, but he was bowled for 120 with the required scoring rate at around ten an over.
Despite a few shots from Leamington’s tail, Adlestrop edged the home side in a fine match.
