ALEX Powell hit his maiden century to help Burghill, Tillington and Weobley seconds to their third victory in as many matches in Division 7 of the Worcester County League

From Burghill, Tillington and Weobley seconds

BT&W CC seconds continued their winning ways to the start of the 2021 season in division 7 of the Worcester county league.

Three wins on the trot with three contrasting sides shows the strength in depth of the second team squad.

Kidderminster won the toss and elected to field. Tim Walsh and Phil Knight put on 39 in quick time before Phil was caught for 17.

Alex Powell joined Tim and they took the score to 92 before Tim was caught in the deep for 45 off 46 balls. Alex continued to play sensibly

as wickets tumbled at the other end. James Howard and Matt Maund, who was making his debut for the seconds, hung around with

Alex who started increasing the tempo with some delightful shots. Alex reached his maiden century with an exquisite cover drive for four.

It was a very classy knock from a very talented young cricketer. His 100 came off 113 balls with 16 fours. BT&W finished on 249-9.

Tight bowling at the start of the Kidderminster innings by the opening pair of Amy Maund and James Howard restricted Kidderminster,

until opener Tom Powell was joined by Simon Trickett and added 157 runs off 26.3 overs. Trickett was eventually bowled by Oscar Darke for 78.

Kidderminster needed 63 off 10 overs with 6 wickets in hand but wickets tumbled in the next 2 overs and they slumped to 198-8.

Needing 51 off 5 with two wickets in hand, looked a tall order but Burghill took their foot off the gas and 37 was scored

off the next 3 overs. Rob Garrard under pressure, held his nerve and bowled a miserly 44th over for two runs and a wicket leaving Phil Knight

to bowl the last over and Kidderminster needing 12 to win with the last pair in. Jack Meese was bowled for 27 on the fourth ball of the over.

Very exciting game played in a friendly spirit.

From Wormelow seconds

Wormelow 2s began their season with a 32 run victory over Luctonians 2s. Batting first Wormelow compiled a competitive 213-2 from their allocated 45 overs, anchored by their captain: David Bannerman’s 105 not out, with support from Neil Bloomfield’s 36 not out, and youngster, Archie Langford’s elegant 33. The Luctonians bowling attack searched for wickets throughout, but found break through as hard to come by, and excellent 10 over spell conceding only 25, from captain Jamie Simpson slowed the scoring rate in the middle overs.

Luctonians reply started slowly with Veteran Haston, and youngster Joe Pennington keeping it tight early doors, the latter taking the first wicket. Before a partnership between 1 Foreman (34) and roberts (35) steadied the ship. The wormelow attack continued to take wickets throughout with 6 bowlers finding a breakthrough, before an aggressive 76 from Jamie Simpson took Luctonians to their 3rd batting point.

Wormelow welcome Ledbury 1sts at home, whilst Luctonians travel to Ross on Wye this coming weekend. Both clubs celebrated well earned wins for their respective 1st teams.

From Ross-on-Wye (courtesy of Philip Davies)

Ross-on-Wye Cricket Club had a double winning start to the eagerly awaited 2021 season in the Marches League. Both the first and second teams were playing at home, meaning the picturesque ground at Wilton hosted on Saturday and Sunday, fully utilising the excellent ground work performed by club members in March and April. Club Captain, Tony Laws, led his team out against Glangrwney and had his decision to field fully justified by skittling out the visitors for just 77 runs. Three of the Ross team were returning after a while away; Alexander Springer on leave from the Army; Josh and Ben Element rejoining with enthusiasm after a few busy years at Ross Rugby Club. All three, together with Laws, backed up regular opening bowler, Adam Davies, to keep pressure on Glangrwney and force a stream of wickets from 31-0 to all out for 77. The Elements took seven wickets between them, whilst Alistair Cook held onto three good catches.

Ben featured heavily in Ross' reply, in a second wicket stand of 30 with Alex Davies, followed by an unbeaten partnership of 49 alongside Graham Howls who raced to 39 from just 28 balls striking three sixes. Ross chased down the target in just 15 overs to gain a welcome 24 league points.

The following day, Club Chair and Second Team Captain, Theo Minnie was asked to bat by Luctonians Thirds, in cloudy and rainy conditions. Richard Jeffryes opened the batting with Stu Mair, the latter of whom stayed at the crease for all but two balls of the 40 over innings, amassing a very impressive 123 including 22 fours. Mair has been the lead groundsman at Ross for many years, so it was fabulous to see him show just how to bat on his own pitch. He was well supported by Albert Johnson, returning to Ross after his time as a junior; and by Ben Rimmington, who finished not out on 35.

Luctonians' target of 227 was always going to be tough, and Ross took wickets regularly from the off to bowl a mixture of youth and experience out for 84 in just less than 30 overs. Scalps were shared over most of the attack, with Philip Davies, Paul Morris and David Bagg getting two each, while Minnie's spin accounted for four; Ross winning by 142 runs.

A very good start to the season for the club sponsors Wye Leisure, Now Storage and TFA - Trusted Financial Advice. Ross Firsts host Luctonians again on Saturday while the seconds travel to local rivals Brockhampton.

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