Cricket
Kingfishers win thrilling tussle

REDDITCH took a massive step towards preserving their status in Worcestershire League Division One with a magnificent one-run victory over relegation rivals Coombs Wood on Saturday.

The Kingfisher, who started the day rock-bottom moved up three places after picking up 24 valuable points.

Once again Luke Davis failed to call correctly on the toss and Redditch were asked to bat.

Davis (17) and Field (20) added 43 runs for the first wicket but both openers found themselves back in the pavilion after being dimissed in successive balls.

Protherough (17) and Southwick (17) briefly repaired the damage but four quick wickets put Redditch in deep trouble at 81 for 7.

Bevan and Mason took the score past the 100 mark but Carl Whyte, who claimed six wickets, trapped Mason lbw for 14.

Bevan, growing in confidence, added 30 vital runs with Waqas Ali before being last man out for a very useful 26 which did much to help Redditch reach 147.

Early wickets were required and Andrews produced a devastating opening spell to leave Coombs Wood in trouble at 18 for 2.

Following the tea interval Carl Whyte hit a quickfire 42 to bring Coombs Wood right back into the game but Nev Mason, using all his guile and experience, bowled the dangerous all-rounder.

Mason continued to flourish in an all spin attack with Perry Derrick which frustrated the home side and wickets continued to fall.

Boswell added 22 as the game slipped away from Redditch but he was eventually dismissed by Mason via a stunning return catch.

Mcdonall added 12 very quickly, while Andy Farmer (37) hit ten runs off the opening five balls of the 46th over to take the reply to 146 for 9.

But Derrick completed the over by producing the delivery of the day to beat Farmer and keeper Weaver did the rest to clinch the narrowest of victories amid wild scenes of celebration.

Redditch hope to continue their unbeaten run by completing the double over new basement-boys Colwall who visit Bromsgrove Road tomorrow (Saturday).

The 2nds continued their good form with a winning draw against Harborne 4ths.

Redditch amassed a huge 291 for 6 off 50 overs thanks to Tom Phelan who compiled a superb 100, well supported by Geoff Eley 84no and Devlin Jacobs 30.

Harborne responded and some magnificent batting from David Rankin 104no and skipper Adam Seymour (43) took them towards their target.

Some sloppy fielding cost Redditch victory as Harborne finished on 257 for 9 with Noman Chudhry 4-67 and Kevin Lokenath 2-35 pick of the home bowlers.

Redditch face a tough challenge tomorrow as they visit high-flying Cookley.

The 3rds, under the guidance of local legend Paul Humphries, lost narrowly to Knighton by 2 wickets.

Redditch could only muster 106 with wicketkeeper Josh Holt scoring an excellent 50.

Knighton started well but Redditch bounced back with Suman Ahmed 3-12 and Adeel Ahmed 2-35 doing the damage, but the visitors sneaked home in the final over.

Redditch 4ths had the day off as their opponents Chaddesley Corbett conceded the fixture.

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