Jones kicks on after fine opening with Whitehall

Having returned to the fray last week with a stunning diving catch for the club’s 3rd XI, Whitehall took to the crease on Saturday with opening partner Scott Jones and the pair set about putting Badsey’s attack to the sword.

In an opening partnership of 137, Whitehall contributed 39 before being dismissed and leaving Jones to continue punishing Badsey’s bowlers.

Ably supported by Harry Johnson, who made a stylish 19, Jones went on to make 90 to allow Wardens to declare at the close of the 40th over on 207 for four.

The home side were unable to apply any pressure on the Badsey batsmen, however, as rain during the tea break forced the fixture to be abandoned.

In the other game at Glasshouse Park, Wardens 2nds made a good fist of their innings before suffering the same frustrations.

Having been asked to bat in wet conditions by Bromsgrove, captain James Madley and Robin de Regt battled hard after the early loss of Sunjay Sharma.

Madley compiled a gritty 20 while de Regt was stumped for 35.

James Ray contributed 16 and Sam Proctor 18, but it was veteran Paul Smith who held the innings together at the end with 20 not out, taking Wardens to 137 for six from their 42 overs - a solid total in the conditions.

Alistair Hickman finished with two for 25 for Bromsgrove and Ryan Pedley claimed two for 29.

However, the tea-time rain meant no further play was possible, with Monday’s fixture falling victim to the weather without a ball being bowled.

The club’s 3rds also managed just half a game in Division Three of the Cotswold Hills League, winning the toss and inserting opposition Bretforton, who reached 132 for seven from 38 overs before rain intervened.

Vishnu Menon, Luke Moreau and Sam Ballinger took two wickets apiece for Wardens.

The 1sts were twice defeated by the rain on a weekend when they were hoping to put enough distance between themselves and the clubs below to ensure their safety in Division One of the Birmingham League.

On Saturday, Wardens travelled to mid-table Bromsgrove, but only managed ten overs’ play before lightning forced the players to leave the field.

Wardens had reached 25 for one on a slow wicket, but once play had been halted the rain once again set in and the captains were forced to call an end to proceedings.

Monday saw a similarly frustrating outcome as the players made the long journey to bottom-of-the-table Whitchurch, only to be greeted by rain and a thoroughly soaked ground.

After a brief wait, Wardens captain Scott Stenning was yet again left with no choice but to shake hands and take five points for an abandoned fixture.

Wardens, who must now hope to win at least one of their remaining three fixtures to retain their First Division status, face promotion-chasing Moseley tomorrow.