Heavens open at Glasshouse Park as Bell’s toil goes unrewarded

Leek Wootton’s slim chances of defeating the weather were scuppered by a massive thunderstorm at the War Memorial Ground with the Long Itchington 2nds batsmen in trouble.
By The Newsroom
Published 25th Jul 2014, 12:32 BST
Keith Bells unbeaten 36 helped Wardens recover from 38 for two before rain brought an early end to their Birmingham League Premier Division clash.Keith Bells unbeaten 36 helped Wardens recover from 38 for two before rain brought an early end to their Birmingham League Premier Division clash.
Keith Bells unbeaten 36 helped Wardens recover from 38 for two before rain brought an early end to their Birmingham League Premier Division clash.

Despite heavy overnight and morning rain, the start of the Cotswold Hills Division Three match was delayed by just 35 minutes, reducing the game to a 40-overs-a-side encounter.

Home skipper Tim Dart won the toss and inserted Long Itchington with the hope of quick wickets.

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However, in spite of tight bowling from veteran Ian Cox (1-9) and Zain Ansari, openers Stephen Rawbone and Martin Greaves survived the first ten overs before the latter was run out after a mix- up.

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Cox then removed Simon Parsons two balls later to reduce the visitors to ten for two.

Skipper Rawbone (15) seemed to be settling in for the long haul only for a fine low catch by Shaun Clifford off the bowling of Tony Brooks to remove him.

Brooks (3-22) took two further wickets to have Long Itchington wobbling at 44 for five but Brian Phillips (23 not out) remained resolute before bad light and then torrential rain ended the match after 24 overs with the visitors on 56 for five.

No play was possible in Leek Wootton 2nds’ game at Exhall & Wixford 3rds.