Cricket
Redditch end on a losing note

REDDITCH completed their Worcestershire League Division One campaign with an eight-wicket defeat at home to Bromyard.

The hosts won the toss and made 211-9 as Russell Southwick top scored with 88 off just 73 deliveries in a sparkling innings featuring 17 fours and a six.

However, Bromyard made light work of the target and eased to 212-2 as overseas star Dinusha Fernando (75no) and Eral Anderson (76no) added 149 for the third wicket.

The Kingfishers endured a frustrating season, finishing just above the relegation zone.

The poor weather did not help their cause and injuries and unavailability of key players was also a major factor and skipper Luke Davis deserves huge praise for steering his side to safety.

Redditch 2nds suffered a similar fate in their defeat at Bromyard.

Batting first Redditch posted 206 all out as Ajmal Wafa was the pick of the batting with 55, ably supported by Abdul Jabbar's 37.

Despite some early wickets, Owen Thomas scored a marvellous century to give the home side the win by three wickets with six overs to spare.

Pace bowler Matt Grubb was the pick of the Kingfishers' bowling attack in taking 3-45.

The Kingfishers finished mid-table in Division Two 2nd XI and, with a wealth of talent coming through the junior ranks, the future for the 2nds next season looks very encouraging.

Redditch U16s enjoyed more success in the Midland Cricket Club Conference Trophy in defeating Ashton-under-Hill by five wickets on Sunday.

Ashton scored 149-4 off their 20 overs as Mike Harris top scored with 65.

In reply Redditch started well and a match-winning performance from opener and skipper Jack Roberson (44), ably supported by Dan Waldron (22) and Raheem Basharat (16), saw the Kingfishers home with one over to spare.

Moseley are the visitors on Sunday in round three.

The junior section's presentation evening takes place tonight (Friday) at the club from 7.30pm and the night includes a barbecue and disco. All parents and players are invited to come along.

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