Cricket
Redditch have the better of entertaining draw

Buy photos » James Bevan struck an impressive unbeaten 71 for Redditch on Saturday.

REDDITCH took 14 points from a winning draw against resilient visitors Coombs Wood in Worcestershire League Division One on Saturday.

After winning the toss Kingfishers captain Luke Davis opted to bat and his batsmen did not disappoint him as the hosts posted a commanding 284-5 from their 50 overs.

Russell Southwick (48) looked in fluent form and Davis (25), Tom Field (34) and Joe Hill (22) all chipped in usefully, but the real stars of the show were middle order batsmen James Bevan (71no) and keeper Chris Weaver (55no), who put on an unbroken partnership of 134 for the sixth wicket to leave the hosts with high hopes of clinching victory.

However, despite early wickets from Australian Aiden Andrews, Coombs Wood fought hard and a magnificent unbeaten 119 from Danny Jones gave the visitors a sniff of victory.

In the end they fell short as they closed on 269-6 and Redditch will now seek their second win of the season at Colwall tomorrow.

After the match captain Davis expressed his delight at the batting display, heaping particular praise on Weaver who has had an excellent season so far both behind the stumps and with the bat.

Redditch 2nds produced their best batting performance of the season at Harborne and also earned 14 points from a winning draw.

They made 306-6 off their 50 overs as Stefan Jagielski - playing his first game of the season - scored a fine 178, ably supported by Asif Mukhtar with 49.

In reply Harborne proved to be a tough nut to crack and a fine unbeaten century from Jon Robinson (104no) saw the hosts through to stumps on 252-6.

The 3rd XI slipped to a narrow 32-run at Knighton-on-Teme.

Despite bowling Knighton out for just 170, Redditch could only manage 138 with Hamza Khan top scoring with 50.

The 4th XI got their league campaign underway with a crushing 147-run victory against visitors Chaddesley Corbett 3rds.

Skipper Ashley Davis inspired his side with a fine 44 in a score of 244-8 and Redditch bowled the visitors out for just 97 to give Redditch 24 points.

The Sunday 1st XI had a good day in defeating visitors Worcester B by five wickets.

They bowled Worcester out for just 198, with Waqas Ali (3-42) and Matt Grubb (2-25) the main contributors.

In reply Redditch cruised to victory with Field (82) and Davis (49) doing the damage.

A patched-up 2nd XI travelled to Worcester Dominies and, having lost the toss, toiled in the blistering heat as the home side scored 281-5.

In reply Redditch never threatened and finished on 100-7 off 34 overs.

The plus points were the performances of junior players Josh and Adam Ganderton.

This coming Sunday sees more local derby action as Redditch take on Studley, with the 1st team at home and the 2nds travelling to Washford Fields.

Both sides are expected to field strong teams and the matches commence at 1.30pm.

On Bank Holiday Monday international cricket comes to Bromsgrove Road as Redditch CC host a prestigious fixture between Worcestershire Ladies and Holland in an ECB County Championship.

The match starts at 11am and spectators are welcome to come along on what should be a highly entertaining day of cricket. The bar will be open all day.

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