Faulkner stands firm to deny Bedworth victory

Bedworth made 186 for eight from their 50 overs, with Scott Friswell making 51 and Mark Spacey (26 not out) and Gary Loveridge (10 not out) adding a useful 35 for the ninth wicket.

Dave Edmunds took four for 47 from his 15 overs, while evergreen Pete Alty claimed three for 33.

With 46 overs at their disposal, Kenilworth crawled to 76 for nine, with Faulkner and last-man Alty standing firm to deny Bedworth victory.

James Nason top-scored with 18 in the face of fine bowling from Thomas Dangarembizi (4-15) and Kunal Sharma (13-7-9-2).

The Division One title race will go down to the final week after the top two claimed comprehensive victories on Saturday.

Four Oaks Saints blew away Stockton, with Hamza Nadeem (8 for 37) the chief destroyer as the visitors were dismissed for just 77 in reply to the leaders’ 276 for nine.

Meanwhile, Southam overhauled Offchurch’s 162 all out for the loss of four wickets to maintain the 16-point gap to Saints.

Luke Nelly scored 51 for the second-placed side, with Saghir scoring an unbeaten 43 for Offchurch.

Warwick held on for a losing draw against fellow mid-table side Old Edwardians.

Batting first, the home team amassed in impressive 280 for eight before declaring after 47 overs.

Openers Philip Clarke (68) and Asam Shahzad (42) provided the platform while Rashid Mohammed (78) and Luke Clarke (48) provided the aggression.

Stand-in skipper James Wynn-Evans bowled an excellent spell to boast figures of five for 58 while Jorg Singh claimed two for 66.

The loss of early wickets left Warwick battling it out for the draw.

Ade Passey led the rearguard action with a stubborn 37 not out and, aided by partnerships with Paul Coleman (24) and Richard Rudnicki (15), the innings closed on 154 for eight.

Neil Chandler and Shahid Hussain took three wickets apiece for Old Edwardians.

In the reverse fixture, the rain brought an early finish to an intriguing 2nd XI contest.

Old Edwardians again showed their batting strength, posting 253 for nine with Mohammed striking a fine half-century.

Said Ludin claimed three wickets and Andrew Jackson two.

An excellent opening partnership of 84 between Talha Haroon (44) and Chris Wood (45) gave Warwick 2nds a great start, but the introduction of Mohammed into the attack saw both depart in quick succession.

Warwick had reached 108 for three from 25 overs when rain brought an early end to proceedings.

High-flying Marston Green had their tidy bowling unit to thank for a seven-wicket win over Kenilworth Town 2nds in Division Two.

Town were dismissed for 109 in 46.4 overs, with only Andy Dadswell (57 off 39 balls) and Mark Stranks (28 off 100 balls) reaching double figures as the batsmen toiled against Mirza (4-27), Ulhaq (3-21) and Meek (2-19).

Marston Green then eased to their target for the loss of just three wickets with Aulja hitting 67 and Rogers adding 34.