CRICKET: LEAMINGTON’S moved out of the relegation zone on Saturday following a comprehensive win over Tamworth at Arlington Avenue.
Boosted by the arrival of Tasmanian Hamish Kingston, Leamington dominated Tamworth from the off.
Batting first, the Staffordshire side lost three early wickets, two to Tom Warner and a run out.
Tamworth recovered somewhat through the experienced Stuart Burrows and Scott Daly, but once Jon Wigley bowled Burrows for 22 as Leamington maintained a stranglehold on the game.
Scoring became difficult for Tamworth as Leamington’s change bowlers of Wigley, Neil Smith and Matt Davison only conceded 18 runs in 20 overs.
Leg spinner James Silk brought Tamworth’s innings to a swift conclusion, capturing the last four wickets to reduce the visiting side to 128.
In reply, Leamington made a bright start with a half-century opening stand from Jon Wigley and Alex Mellor.
Wigley fell for 22 though as Leamington wobbled a fraction, losing two more quick wickets, both to Dan Bowker.
However, last week’s centurions were now at the crease as Lee Hopkins joined Mellor.
And the pair took Leamington in sight of victory.
Mellor was bowled for 60 with a handful of runs required, and Hopkins remained unbeaten on 30 as the home side eased to a six wicket win with 29 overs in hand.
