Wardens unable to phase league leaders Berkswell, as early-season struggles continue - The Leamington Observer

Wardens unable to phase league leaders Berkswell, as early-season struggles continue

Leamington Editorial 3rd Jun, 2019 Updated: 3rd Jun, 2019   0

KENILWORTH Wardens fell to an 87-run defeat to Berkswell on Saturday, to continue their struggles at the bottom of Birmingham & District Premier Division One.

It was the Warden’s fourth outright defeat of the season, leaving them 28 points adrift from safety, after failing to match Berkswell’s 287-6 total and being dismissed for 200.

Wardens won the toss and elected to field, but the visitors were effective at the crease, with Tom Milnes notably hitting an unbeaten 66, whilst Daniel Mousley (58) and Nick James (46) also hit fine totals for the league leaders.

James Sykes took 4-77, with Tommy Rex and Matthew Hancock claiming a wicket each, but it did not prove enough to put a halt to Berkswell’s potency with the bat.




To make matters worse, Kenilworth lost openers Tom Brammer (9) and Nick Seager (9) at 23-2, but found some reprieve when Finn McCreath and Harry Johnson formed an 48-run partnership, prior to McCreath being caught out by Dominic Ostler.

Johnson went on to hit 66 before being bowled by Nick James, the first of three wickets he claimed for 72 runs conceded.


Meanwhile, Richard Jones (3-22) was the most economical bowler for Berkswell, taking the final two wickets in the form of Mark Pigeon and Rex as the Wardens were all out for 200.

It was always going to be a tough task against unbeaten Berkswell, but Kenilworth hope to bounce back when visiting Dorridge on Saturday (12 noon).

The Wardens second XI did not fare much better when falling to defeat at Leamington Seconds, losing by 117 runs in Warwickshire County Cricket League Division Two.

Spa won the toss and opted to bat, but initially struggled at 100-5.

However, a 69-run partnership between Jason Butler (42) and Paul Lawrence (46, not out), combined with Nick Couzens top-score of 48 helped Leamington post 264 runs before being bowled out in 49 overs.

Joe Jordan (3-57) and Anil Lohan (2-25) were the pick of the Kenilworth bowlers, but they were unable to stunt the Leamington batsmen from putting the game out of their reach.

Wardens struggled at the bat and lost wickets at regular intervals, with Couzens (3-20) and Lawrence (3-31) displaying their prominence with the ball in hand.

Gary Maynard’s 24 was the best score Kenilworth could offer, as Matt Davies fell in the 46th over as the final wicket to condemn Kenilworth to defeat.

The Wardens will be keen to avenge defeat, and view second-bottom Attock as a perfect opportunity to do so on Saturday at Glasshouse Park (12:30pm).

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