YOUTH combined with experience saw Eastnor gain revenge over Alvechurch & Hopwood by 34 runs on Saturday in this Worcestershire County League division one fixture

Eastnor had been asked to bat first and were soon in trouble at 38-5. Eastnor's top five batsmen all failed to reach double figures but Shahid, batting at number six, along with Christian Ferriera put together a 30-run partnership before Shahid departed for ten.

This then brought 14-year-old Josh Emery, who was recently named in the final 13 players to make up the Midlands squad, to the wicket. Facing the attack of Alvechurch's Sri Lankan paceman Lakshitha the youngster showed no respect by hitting him to the boundary on many occasions. Ferreira gave Emery fine support both as batsman and coach, allowing them to push the score along to 103 before Ferreira departed for 32 fine runs. Emery continued to score well, but received no further support from the tail end batsmen, only to be given out stumped when on 33 runs in the 39th over. Lakshitha was the top wicket taker for Alvechurch with 4-38. Eastnor were all out for 122.

Alvechurch replied with a low score to chase and were soon in trouble against the Eastnor attack of Shahid and Josh Emery and a fine return throw from Ferreira had Alvechurch running for cover at 11-3 in seven overs with only J Spaven putting up a fight before Lakshitha joined him.

These being the only batsmen to reach double figures Spaven on 31 and Lakshitha with 24. Superb bowling from Shahid, who showed a rapid return of form with the ball, claimed six wickets for only 31 runs. He was given fine support from spin bowler Jim Sandford who took 2-16 in seven overs.

Alvechurch were all out for 88 in the 31st over giving Eastnor their first 24 points claim of the season and put them in fifth position in the league.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Eastnor are at home again to Romsley and Hunnington.