Kerrigan’s stubborn fifty proves in vain for Wellesbourne

Wellesbourne’s title aspirations took a turn for the worse when Shipston gained a crushing nine-wicket victory at London Road.

With second-placed Earlswood’s game being abandoned it was a good chance for Bourne to open up a gap at the top of the table in their rain-reduced clash.

However, after Shipston skipper Gary Betteridge won a crucial toss and put the visitors in, events did not turn out as planned.

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After conceding eight runs off the first three balls, John Walker made the breakthrough when he enticed Gary Maynard to give a catch to Paul Cross and then bowled Jamie Maynard.

Tommy Wheeler scored 14 but after 20 overs, Bourne had slumped to 39 for five.

Adam Kerrigan continued to bat carefully and slowly began to rally the innings, first in partnership with Nathan Edwards and then with Phil Rothwell.

Edwards was next to go when Murphy trapped him lbw for 18 with the score on 63 but Kerrigan and Rothwell produced a partnership of 69 until Rothwell was bowled in the final over by England bowling coach David Saker.

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Kerrigan finished on a fine 57 not out but the total of 134 for eight appeared well short of what was required.

With a moderate total to defend, early wickets were nedded but it was not to be as Julian Morris and Saker set about their task with aplomb, punishing any loose deliveries.

Saker survived two missed catches and a close run-out before Tom Stephenson (1-26) had Morris stumped by Barnett for 31 with the score on 90.

This proved to be Wellesbourne’s only success as Jack Murphy (19 not out) joined Saker to take Shipston through to their target, with Saker finishing on a fine 71 not out.

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Leek Wootton came up short against local rivals Long Itchington in their Division Two match, losing by five wickets.

Heavy rain in the morning meant the match was reduced to 35 overs per side and Long Itchington won the crucial toss, inserting the home team.

Wootton struggled to 149 for four from their 35 overs as Steve Rawbone (2-23) and Mat Cox (0-24 from eight overs) made scoring difficult on a damp track.

Graeme Couchman (19) and Andrew Taphouse (20) made the early contributions before Ian Cox (60) and Tim Dart (26 not out) shared a stand of 88.

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The total looked 15 to 20 runs short of a competitive score and it soon proved to be the case as Long Itchington moved comfortably along to 84 for one, with Aaron Jones (33) and Martyn Rawbone (30) making the most of a drying pitch.

Couchman (3-27) gave Wootton a glimmer of hope as four wickets fell in a quick succession but a hard-hit 35 not out from Will Grindle guided Long Itchington to victory with 17 balls to spare.

Rowington’s relegation fears increased after a one-sided defeat at Bearley.

After winning the toss, Rowington looked in good shape as they reduced the hosts to 30 for three after ten overs.

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However, a fourth-wicket partnership of 195 between Leyton (108) and Leech (78) took the game away from them, with Bearley scoring 110 off the last 60 ball as they eventually closed on 263 for five.

With a large outfield, the total was manageable but Leyton (3-19) and Castle (2-12) ripped out the top order. First-change pair Ramsden (8-6-7-2) and L Ross (10-6-5-3) then completed the task to leave Rowington all out for a paltry 46.

Wellesbourne 2nds overcame a fiery opening burst from Badsey pace bowler Sam Thompson to consolidate their position at the top of Division Four.

Thompson picked up the first three wickets to fall as Wellesbourne slumped to 45 for four in a match reduced to 40 overs-a-side.

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Dave Jarrett was the only one of the top four to stand firm and he found a willing ally in Harry Jackman, who contributed 66 to a fifth-wicket partnership of 98.

Following the loss of Jackman, skipper Darren Mole maintained the momentum, adding an unbeaten 23 as he and Jarrett (65 not out) took Wellesbourne to 215 for six at the close of their innings.

Seamer Ben Griffin then put Badsey on the back foot with an excellent spell of three for 11 in nine overs.

After being reduced to 31 for four, a partnership of 45 between Thompson (21) and John Osbourne (26) gave Badsey a glimmer of hope.

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However, with a strong attack at his disposal, Mole was able to rotate the bowlers to good effect, with Jarrett and Havers picking up two wickets apiece.

It still looked as through Badsey may hang on for a draw, but Nellie Weston dsimissed Ian Hardwick with the third ball of the 40th over to give Wellesbourne victory.