Cricket
Redditch cruise to opening day victory

REDDITCH got their Worcestershire League Division One season off to a flying start with a thumping ten-wicket victory over Pedmore at Bromsgrove Road on Saturday.

The hosts won the toss and inserted their visitors in helpful conditions for bowling and dismissed them for just 61 in less than 90 minutes.

However, there was more to this victory than the conditions as new signing from Bromsgrove Greg Chinn bowled superbly to take 5-16 and also ran out two Pedmore batsmen.

The 24-year-old pace bowler was unplayable as only Wasim Ashiq (19) and last man Chris Bourne (11no) reached double figures.

Australian overseas recruit Aidan Andrews supported his fellow fast bowler by taking 2-36 and spinner Nev Mason took the final wicket to leave opposing skipper Stuart Bate shellshocked.

Pedmore had no answer to the Redditch pace attack and without 16 extras their final score would have been even worse.

Redditch had no such trouble in reply as they reached 62-0 in just 9.1 overs with Russell Southwick scoring an unbeaten 39 off just 27 deliveries to give Redditch a morale-boosting victory and 20 points.

Skipper Luke Davis was absolutely delighted with the performance and will hope Redditch can take their excellent form into tomorrow's match at Worcester.

ASTWOOD BANK host Hagley tomorrow hoping for better luck with the weather, which led to the abandonment of Saturday's visit to fellow promotion hopefuls Pershore.

The hosts made 97-2 in the 25.4 overs that were possible and the sides had to settle for five points apiece.

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