Leamington take advantage of Swann and Cowan’s hard work

Asked to bat first on a true surface, Leamington made an excellent start against some indifferent bowling.

Richard Swann maintained his good form, making 48, while James Cowan justified his promotion with a belligerent 43.

Unlike previous weeks, Leamington’s middle order kicked on as Jack Hawkes and Simon Magill set about Green’s attack.

Aided by some arthritic fielding, their partnership ticked over at better than a run a ball until Hawkes fell victim to a stunning catch for 65.

Magill was unbeaten on 84 as Leamington reached 284 for four from their 50 overs.

A rain delay meant that Green’s target was revised to 261 in 41 overs, but they were never in the hunt as Spa openers Paul Lawrence and Dan McCarthy each took wickets in their testing spells.

The wily Wayne Killian strangled Green’s middle order, taking four for 29 in nine overs of left arm spin, aided by two stumpings from Will Dixon.

Ady Butler was left to mop up the tail with three wickets as Barnt Green closed on 151 all out.

Leamington 3rds opened their account in Division One of the Cotswold Hills League with a comprehensive 190-run victory over Stratford Bards.

Asked to bat first, Leamington posted 270 for six with the middle order of Connor Grant (74), Liam Killian (63) and Mark Davison (40 not out) the main contributors.

In reply, Stratford lost early wickets with opening bowlers Matthew Davison and Gaurav Gandecha picking up two apiece for opening bowlers .

Spin twins Matt Sellars and skipper Matt Dale then continued the good work with three and two wickets, respectively, as Bards were bundled out for 80.

Leamington 4ths claimed a comprehensive victory at Bearley to move to the top of Cotswold Hills League Division Six.

Leamington’s challenging total of 222 for five in 45 overs was based around contributions throughout the top and middle order.

Paul Wilson (31) and Ben Ashmore (45) added a leisurely 80 for the second wicket and Billy Hallett (42) and Jujhar Johal 43) maintained the momentum before late cameos from James Cutts and Pat Mills (both 19 not out).

Bearley had a reduced target of 183 in 37 overs and despite two early wickets for Dan Mills, were up with the run rate.

Leamington persisted in bowling their spin triumvirate and were rewarded as Bearley’s batters began to find the fielders at last.

Leg-spinner James Wilson took three wickets, aided by two fine catches from father Paul, and Mark Ryan picked up two cheap wickets as Bearley folded to 118 all out.

n Leamington’s first team trip to Smethwick in the Birmingham League Division One fell victim to the rain with no play possible.