Wardens’ run chase comes to a soggy end at Walmley

After a rain-delayed start, an inconsistent Wardens’ bowling display allowed the hosts to post an above-par 215 for six from 47 overs.

Despite a rapid start to their reply, the visitors were never likely to force a win against steady home bowling and eventually settled for a run-rate-based losing draw at 160 for five from 39 overs.

Imran Jamiel (44) and Chris Howell (65) added 71 for Walmley’s second wicket as Wardens’ attack delivered too many four-balls on a helpful surface.

Howell was then joined by former Warwickshire trundler Mo Sheikh (46), before George Findlay provided late impetus with a violent unbeaten 24 from only seven balls, including three sixes.

Left-arm spinners Sitanshu Kotak and Dan Vernon claimed two wickets apiece.

Pinch-hitters Dan Wood (34 from 30 balls) and Vernon (23 from 29 balls) got Wardens’ reply to 72 for two, but neither was able to go on to the big score that would have enabled the visitors to make a serious challenge.

Martin Donald maintained the tempo with a run-a-ball 47, but off-spinner Paul Griffiths (2-33) applied the brakes skilfully, forcing Kotak (38no) and Tony Wilkinson to settle for a draw.

Wardens 2nds romped to a ten-wicket victory over eight-man Evesham in a match that was completed inside 25 overs.

The struggling visitors were dismissed for 44 in 18.3 overs after being inserted on an emerald-green Glasshouse Park surface which had been covered for the previous 48 hours.

Veteran seamer Nick Whiting recovered from the indignity of having his first delivery smashed over long on for six to claim three for 22, while Vishnu Menon’s seasonal bow returned two for 15.

With the help of 19 extras, Wardens’ openers raced to victory from only 37 balls, with Sam Proctor unbeaten on 17.

Keith Berry’s hard-hitting 68 took Wardens 3rds to a thrilling one-wicket victory over Wellesbourne 2nds in Division Three of the Cotswold Hills League, but Simon Gough’s team were forced to survive a late scare before edging their way to victory.

At 177 for five, the hosts seemed to be coasting to their 180-run target, before the return of seamer Jonny Spence induced a spectacular collapse.

Spence’s ninth over - the 43rd of the innings - was a treble-wicket maiden, and when Wellesbourne skipper Ricky Alford dismissed Gough with the opening delivery of the next over, Wardens had lost four wickets in seven balls without addition.

However, last man Sam White proved up to the task and, after two wides brought the scores level, he edged the winning run through the vacant first slip position.

Berry’s 68 included 11 boundaries and a six and he added 77 for the third Wardens’ wicket with Mike Challis-Brown (31).

Although Dave Jarrett (2-16) kept things tight for Wellesbourne, the visitors were left to rue numerous dropped catches and the concession of 33 extras.

Wellesbourne’s efforts with the bat were constructed around Matt Dutton’s fine 65. He added 66 for the second wicket with James Wilson (31), after which Jarrett (25no) and Alford (20) took the visitors to a competitive total.

Wardens 4ths slipped to a five-wicket defeat after being bowled out for 96 on a damp pitch at Hockley Heath.