CRICKET: INDIFFERENT weather saw just two of Leamington’s four teams compete at the weekend, with both ending in defeat.
The 1st XI remain winless in the Birmingham and District Division One after falling to a narrow defeat at home against Bridgenorth.
Leamington were inserted to bat in conditions that suited the bowlers in a match that commenced at a reduced 35 overs a side.
Many of Leamington’s batters got starts, but none went on to play a defining innings as Alex Mellor top scored with 29 before playing no shot to a ball that was too straight from Ross Hurdley.
The tail wagged to some extent and a flurry of extras, 28 in all, saw leamington close on a reasonable 158 all out with two balls left in their innings.
Hurdley was the pick of a varied attack for Bridgnorth – taking 3 for 35 – while Sam Whitney and Cameron Wallis each claimed two victims.
More rain at tea saw Bridgnorth’s target reduced to 134 in 26 overs, and they were in trouble as Jon Wigley dismissed both openers cheaply.
However Ryan Lockley and Gareth Mumford restored order, taking the total to 81 before Mumford fell for 39.
Lockley remained though and his unbeaten 53 saw Bridgnorth over the line in the last over as they claimed a 6 wicket win.
Leamington slip into the relegation zone.
2ND XI
Leamington 2nds had a fruitless journey to Halesowen.
Batting first, the Spa men cantered to 47/0 in just 12 overs before a deluge ended proceedings mid afternoon.
3RD XI
A peculiar match at Alcester & Ragley saw the 3rds lose by one wicket in a low scoring contest.
In a match reduced to 40 overs, Leamington could only muster 83/8 in testing conditions.
Opener Paul Bennett batted through for 22* – though this put pressure on other batsmen who fell trying to increase the scoring rate, including three run outs.
In response, Leamington made early inroads through Dan McCarthy and Lee Credgington, who each took three wickets, supported by Awais Shinwari who grabbed a brace.
However Ben Shuttleworth remained and his unbeaten 43 saw A&R home for a narrow one wicket win.
