Ballinger heaps more misery on Leek wootton

The Division Six clash was one of only three Cotswold Hills League matches to survive yet another rain-drenched weekend, and Ballinger’s efforts ensured Wardens’ young side took full advantage to claim their first win of the season.

The teenage leg-spinner claimed two early scalps, including the crucial wicket of former Wootton great Roger Jenkins, to put the hosts on the back foot after losing the toss.

Simon Charlton (20) and Aziz Khan (42) rebuilt the innings with a useful fourth-wicket partnership before Tony Farndon (18 not out) and Andy Boylin (29) took Wootton to a competitive 139 for six at the end of their 35 overs.

Ballinger finished with two for 16 from seven tidy overs.

An hour later, the hosts appeared to have the match in the bag as Shaun Clifford (3-22) and Martin Tonks (2-21) reduced Wardens’ response to 29 for five.

However, Ballinger’s arrival turned the course of the match as he stroked four boundaries, and two sixes in a fine unbeaten 39.

He shared a superb sixth-wicket alliance of 95 with the Glasshouse Lane club’s leading run-scorer, Jamie Brown, whose unbeaten 48 included three fours and one maximum, to steer Neil Johnson’s team over the finishing line with ten overs in hand.

Kenilworth’s Sunday 1sts played the weekend’s only cricket in the town and enjoyed a ten-run win in a low-scoring Warwickshire Division One match against Birmingham League outfit Walmley.

Batting first, the Town posted 126 for nine off their 40 overs thanks to Rupesh Sarvankar, who made 28, and 20 apiece from Chris Prophet and Neil Goodman.

In reply, Walmley were bowled out for 116 with 11 balls remaining as the six Town bowlers used all took wickets.

Neil Goodman took two for 13 and James Nason two for 19 after Gregg Peebles had claimed one wicket and conceded just eight runs off his six-over opening spell.

Walmley’s Austin tried to hold their innings together with a fine 70 and Allen made 11 but they were the only two batsmen to reach double figures.

Town’s Sunday 2nds lost by four wickets in their friendly clash at Earl Shilton.

Town posted 154 for nine, with opener Mark Stranks hitting 51 and Rob Gardner 32.

However, aided by five dropped catches, Earl Shilton reached 157 for six despite the best efforts of youngsters Jack Howard (2-9), George Boylin (2-31) and Charlie Stranks (1-30).

Leek Wootton 3rds lost a topsy-turvy friendly encounter at home to Norton Lindsey.

Led by Rob Bayliss (6-16), Wootton reduced Norton Lindsey to 28 for four before pensioner Nils Purser hit a career-best unbeaten 79 to help guide the visitors to 141.

In reply, Wootton looked to be coasting to victory as Steve Robinson (21) and skipper Rich Smalley (17) guided the home side to 62 for three.

Dan Fell (4-23) dragged Norton Lindsey back into the contest, only for Wootton middle-order batsmen Matt Holt (15) and Bayliss (29) to hand the initiative back to the home side.

Finally, it was left to part-time bowler Harkum Sumal (3-32) to remove the Wootton tail-enders with his gentle medium pace inducing a collapse from 95 for six to secure a narrow victory for a relieved Norton Lindsey.